WATSONVILLE, CA - Scholarship programs are a heartfelt way to connect with the community and contribute to the world’s next generation of leaders. Monterey Mushrooms has given out its own scholarships for the 2022–2023 school year—73, in fact—amounting to $207,000. Earlier this month, the company held an awards ceremony where Chief Executive Officer Shah Kazemi presented 10 of those recipients with their scholarships.

“This is a monumental event for all of us at Monterey to have an opportunity to meet the wonderful parents of our young leaders of tomorrow,” said Kazemi as he began the award ceremony. “Education is an elevator that gives individuals the capability to climb in life to earn a better wage, raise a better family, to make a better contribution to society.”

Monterey Mushrooms’ scholarship program is one way it lives out its company purpose of “Enhancing People’s Lives.” For the past 31 years, dependent children of full-time employees have been eligible to apply for a scholarship of up to $5,000 for up to four years, according to a press release.

The scholarship program was renamed the Carl Victor Fields Scholarship Program in 2004 to honor the company’s past Vice President of Marketing. Since its inception, 2,460 grants have been awarded for a total of more than $3.6 million. Scholarships are awarded to students who pursue higher education at accredited colleges, universities, and vocation/technical schools.

“This scholarship will help me achieve my dreams by helping me pay for my studies, and it will take a massive burden off my parents,” said Daniel Vargas, a Business Administration major and a freshman at California State University Monterey Bay, who attended the award ceremony alongside his parents. “With this scholarship, I will be able to pay a significant portion of CSUMB’s fees, allowing me to put more time into my education and studies.”

Congratulations to the 73 recipients!

Monterey Mushrooms