Governor Announces 505 Southwestern New Mexico True Scholars Program

 (Santa Fe, N.M.) — Today Governor Susana Martinez announced that applications are now being accepted for the first year of the 505 Southwestern New Mexico True Scholars scholarship program, which aims to recognize passion for the future of agriculture in New Mexico.

The scholarship program, a partnership between Flagship Food Group’s 505 Southwestern brand and New Mexico True, will award $5,000 to one New Mexico high school senior each year. Applicants must be graduating seniors of a New Mexico high school, plan to attend full time an accredited college or university in New Mexico beginning fall 2018, and demonstrate a commitment to making an impact in the agricultural industry or overall economy of food and agriculture of New Mexico. Full requirements may be found at NewMexico.org/505TrueScholars

“We are thrilled to partner with Flagship Food Group, a New Mexico job creator, in promoting this scholarship to help young people who have a passion for agriculture pursue higher education,” Governor Susana Martinez said. “Flagship has invested in New Mexico’s economy by expanding their business operations in our state, and this program only further proves their commitment to New Mexico and the future of our workforce.”

Flagship Food Group announced just last month that they were expanding their manufacturing and distribution facilities in the Albuquerque area and investing nearly $3 million. The expansion is set to create nearly 200 new manufacturing and distribution jobs and support over 100 construction jobs. 

“Flagship Food Group has been an amazing New Mexico True partner since 2015, when its 505 Southwestern products were the first to carry the New Mexico True Certified ‘100% Made in New Mexico’ mark,” Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Latham said. “The 505 Southwestern New Mexico True Scholars program is an exciting opportunity for students in New Mexico who are passionate about agriculture to continue with that passion through college and beyond.”

“Our business relies heavily on wonderful green chile of New Mexico. This is our way to say ‘thank you’ to the New Mexico agricultural community, and to help foster the next generation of farmers and entrepreneurs in this important region,” Rob Holland, Chief Executive Officer at Flagship Food Group said.

Scholarship applications are due March 19, 2018 and the recipient of the $5,000 scholarship will be announced in late April 2018. One recipient for the $5,000 scholarship will be selected annually and will be awarded in equal payments over 4 years of undergraduate study.

Full eligibility requirements and the application may be found online at NewMexico.org/505TrueScholars.

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About New Mexico True: The New Mexico Tourism Department created the New Mexico True campaign in response to common misconceptions that New Mexico is a dry, arid, barren desert state with nothing to do. Built upon the idea that a trip to New Mexico is an “adventure that feeds the soul,” the campaign provides a platform for unified brand messaging for more than 50 communities and businesses around the state. In 2015, New Mexico True received two prestigious awards for “Best Digital Campaign” in the country. Since the launch of the campaign in 2012, the economic impact of tourism in New Mexico has grown for six consecutive years.