SCHOLARSHIPS

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Five Hartnell College students have been awarded 2023 Barry Eisenberg Food Safety Scholarships totaling $5,000, ranging from $500 to $2,500.

The recipients are: Dulce Juarez, Ernesto Hernandez, Jissel Garcia, Dayanira Hernandez, and Elizabeth Silva.

“The growth and success of the Western Food Safety Conference (WFSC) have supported the creation of another scholarship program. The Barry Eisenberg Food Safety Scholarship provides six scholarships annually to students studying food safety,” said scholarship committee member Kari Valdés of Taylor Farms. “This year’s applicants demonstrated a level of enthusiasm and passion for their area of study that is second to none. We are lucky to have their energy in our community. It is our pleasure to support them in their journey, and we are excited to see what the future holds for them.”

The scholarships are named on behalf of Dr. Barry Eisenberg, a career leader in food safety. Dr. Eisenberg was instrumental in the launch of the Food Safety Program at Hartnell College as well as being one of the initial instructors. His passion for the produce industry is evident in his many years as a committee member for the Western Food Safety Conference.

Dr. Eisenberg received his Ph.D. from Ohio State University in post-harvest physiology. His leadership journey included Vice President, Food Safety Services at United Fresh Produce Association where he developed educational programs and training for member companies in their food safety planning, operations, and compliance with best practices and regulatory standards. He has held many executive leadership positions within the food industry applying his product research development, quality assurance, and food safety skills. 

“I couldn’t be prouder of the growth and success of the program and our ability to support our students and community,” said Valdés.

Requirements for scholarship include:

• Be actively enrolled at Hartnell College, have completed a minimum of 9 units, and are working to achieve either a food safety program degree or certificate of achievement.
• Provide a written statement of interest, up to 500 words, and a minimum of one letter of recommendation (e.g., from an instructor, employer, community leader, etc.).
• Candidates for the $2,500 Scholarship must have taken a minimum of two courses in food safety and intend to take another two courses for the upcoming year.
• Candidates are interviewed by the Western Food Safety Selection Committee as part of the selection process.
• Candidates for the $500 scholarships must have taken at least one food safety course and intend to take at least one more course in the upcoming semester.