Chrysler Canada: The Chrysler Foundation and Ram Truck Mark 100 Years of the 4-H Youth Organization with $100,000 in Scholarships

2013 marks the centennial of 4-H, which supports youth leadership and opportunities, particularly in agricultural communities The $100,000 will be provided in the form of 100 scholarships, the most in a single year in 4-H’s history Donation coincides with Ram Trucks’ “Year of the Farmer” initiative, bringing attention to the significance of North American farmers

Windsor, Ontario--November 8, 2013: The Chrysler Foundation and Ram Truck Canada have partnered with 4-H, one of the country’s longest-running and most respected youth development organizations, to provide $1,000 scholarships to 100 deserving young people.

Started in 1913 in Roland, Manitoba, 4-H centres around the principal of giving one’s “Head, Heart, Hands and Health” to their club, community and country. With clubs from B.C to Newfoundland supported by 7,500 volunteer leaders, the organization is particularly focused on agricultural regions. Its 24,000 members -- aged 8 to 21 -- learn new skills and confidence though everything from hands-on efforts in their communities, to youth conferences and camps here and abroad.

“4-H has never provided this many scholarships in one year in its 100-year history,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand and President and CEO, Chrysler Canada. “Obviously, the Chrysler Foundation and Ram Trucks are quite humbled to be able provide this many Canadian youth opportunity to further their education and expand their knowledge in support of our vital agricultural industry. After all, Ram Truck’s ‘Year of Farmer’ is not only about today’s farmers, but tomorrow’s as well.”

The Ram Truck brand declared 2013 the “Year of the Farmer” during the Super Bowl last February, when its much-talked-about television spot, “Farmer,” kicked off a year-long initiative to bring national attention to the significance of farmers. To date, "Farmer" has been viewed online more than 22 million times.

“This educational initiative supports the cornerstone of what 4-H is about”, said Shannon Benner, CEO of 4-H Canada. "We are very fortunate that The Chrysler Foundation understands the importance of developing responsible and motivated young leaders in Canada. This investment truly embodies the spirit of 4-H leadership as it will have community impact from coast to coast.”

The deadline for 4-H members to apply for a scholarship is January 15, 2014. An online application can be found at apply.4-h-canada.ca and will open on Tuesday, November 12, 2013.