The Renewable Fuels Association and the Renewable Fuels Foundation are once again partnering to offer scholarships for college students and young professionals interested in attending the annual National Ethanol Conference, Feb. 19-21, 2024, in San Diego.

Now in its 15th year, the program is named in honor of Robert “Bob” Sather, an educator who helped found RFA member company Ace Ethanol in Wisconsin. Sather was a past Chair of the Renewable Fuels Foundation. The aim of the Bob Sather Memorial Scholarship is to reach young adults aspiring to a career related to ethanol and open doors and present new perspectives on ethanol’s place in our world today and beyond. The program provides eligible applicants with opportunities to hear from, and engage with, top industry leaders, policymakers, and academic and technical experts.

“Over the last several years, this program has helped introduce a new generation to the ethanol industry, and we are happy to again provide this opportunity to bring students and young professionals to the country’s premier ethanol industry event,” said Delayne Johnson, chairman of the Renewable Fuels Foundation and CEO of Quad County Corn Processors. “The experiences these students receive at the NEC, both educational and networking, help them prepare for meaningful careers tied to renewable fuels, and we highly recommend this scholarship to any student studying in ethanol-related fields—along with young professionals just getting started in the industry.”

The scholarships will fully cover registration fee, hotel, and up to $500 in airfare, and interested college students are asked to submit a 500-word essay explaining how their attendance at the NEC will help them achieve future goals. They should also submit a letter of recommendation and an up-to-date resume. Members of RFA’s Young Professionals Network are also eligible for consideration and need to complete the application questions and provide a resume and letter of recommendation.
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