WATSONVILLE, CA - Laying a solid groundwork for the next generation is a critical task, and Monterey Mushrooms is not shying away from the challenge. Making key investments in the future and those who will lead it, the supplier recently awarded 94 children of its employees with scholarships for the 2021-22 academic year, totaling an investment of $254,678.

“For 29 years, we have been honored and privileged to be able to support these dedicated young people in their educational pursuits,” Chief Executive Officer Shah Kazemi said. “The feedback and thanks we get from the students and their parents is gratifying, and we look forward to watching these excellent young people succeed in the future.”

As it celebrates its 50^th year in business, the supplier is taking its purpose of “Enhancing People’s Lives” to new levels through efforts such as the recently awarded scholarships. For the past three decades, children of full-time employees have been eligible to apply for a scholarship up to $3,000 and for up to four years, as explained in a press release.

The scholarships are presented to students who pursue higher education at accredited colleges, universities, and vocation/technical schools. During the application process, students share their educational background, school activities, academic goals and aspirations, work experience, and other personal achievements.

“The scholarship helped me gain my career and educational goals by reducing the cost burden,” Ana Mejia, a current employee and four-time scholarship recipient who earned a degree of science in business administration with a major in accounting from Tennessee Tech University, said. “Monterey Mushrooms feels like home.”

In 2004, Monterey Mushrooms’ scholarship program was renamed the Carl Victor Fields Scholarship Program to honor the company’s Vice President of Marketing, who was extremely passionate about the importance of young leaders achieving their potential.

Since the program was created, the company has awarded 2,387 grants totaling more than $3.4 million.

“The MMI Scholarship has allowed me to continue my studies all four years. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity, and it is another symbol of my parents' contribution toward my future,” Berenice Campos, another scholarship recipient, said.

Congratulations to all of this year’s scholarship recipients! We at ANUK applaud Monterey Mushrooms on its countless investments in the future.

Monterey Mushrooms