With the help of a $10,000 scholarship, Madalyn Bryant, a Fort Valley State University senior plant science biotechnology major, can look forward to her last year of college debt free.

Bryant is one of ten recipients of the Monsanto Fund 1890s Student Scholarship for 2015. Monsanto awards this scholarship with the goal of developing and supporting students pursuing agriculture and STEM degrees. The corporation invests in students majoring in these disciplines to help tackle global food security challenges.

The 22-year-old learned about the scholarship from her professors and decided to apply. She said she was happy when she received notification from Monsanto ensuring a debt-free senior year.

After graduation, Bryant plans to pursue graduate school or professional school. She gives credit to FVSU for helping to shape her goals and develop her skills. "We get a lot of hands-on experience in the biotechnology program. I've been able to learn a lot of different lab techniques," Bryant said. The Perry native said she appreciates the opportunities available at a small school like FVSU such as attending scientific conferences and field trips along with small classrooms.

Dr. Govind Kannan, dean of FVSU's College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology said, "I am proud of Ms. Bryant's accomplishment and thank Monsanto for recognizing high-achieving students majoring in STEM disciplines. I would like to see more private companies come forward to create opportunities such as this for students in 1890 institutions," Kannan said.

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be a STEM major at an 1890 Land Grant University. They must submit an application, a transcript, three reference letters, and a personal statement, and hold a minimum 3.0 GPA. The scholarship pays for tuition, books and fees.