A $100,000 donation from “serial ag entrepreneur” Robert Saik will be used to create two new scholarships at Olds College.
Beginning in 2023, two students from urban locations enrolled in the college’s Agriculture Technology programs will receive $2,500 scholarships.
Saik, CEO of AGvisorPRO, said he strongly supports the college’s efforts to train students in advanced technology.
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“Technology, robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning are a part of the future of agriculture,” he said in a release. “Olds College is helping students focus on the agricultural needs of tomorrow by placing technology inside the classroom and providing a hands-on learning environment on the Smart Farm.”
But the ag sector needs to draw in bright young people from cities and towns as well as farms and rural areas, said Saik.
“It’s important that kids living in urban areas understand agriculture is a viable and exciting career; it’s a really good place to be,” he said.
