(September 1, 2011) Washington - The Renewable Fuels Foundation (RFF) and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) are offering scholarships to six (6) students in higher education to attend the 17th Annual National Ethanol Conference (NEC): Accelerating Industry Innovation. The NEC will be held February 22-24, 2012 in Orlando, FL at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center. 

This marks the third year of the NEC Scholarship Program, aimed at reaching aspiring ethanol advocates, opening new doors and presenting new perspectives on biofuels’ place in our world. The National Ethanol Conference is recognized as the premiere gathering arena for delivering accurate, timely information on marketing, legislative and regulatory issues facing the ethanol industry. The NEC is the perfect opportunity for students interested in the world of renewable fuels to meet and connect with ethanol industry leaders, top policymakers and preeminent experts in the field of renewable fuels.

“As a biofuels entrepreneur and woman of color, I found the NEC conference workshops and networking opportunities to be self-empowering and engaging,” said Kai Nortey, 2011 National Ethanol Conference Scholarship recipient.  “There, I found my coach and mentor  - a biofuels business development consultant - who is helping me to refine my business plan and team for a successful ethanol company in the near future.”

Mike Jerke, RFF Chairman and General Manager of Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company, says engaging students interested in biofuels is essential to the future of the industry.  “Providing students invested in biofuels with a chance to experience first-hand the opportunity the American ethanol industry can offer them is priceless.  By offering scholarships, RFA/RFF hopes students will network with industry leaders and experts to learn how important and beneficial alternative fuels like ethanol are to our country’s economy and environment.”

Applicants are asked to explain how this scholarship will assist them in achieving their academic and/or career goals in 500 words or less. Two letters of recommendation, a current resume and an official school transcript are also required.

All applications must be submitted by December 23, 2011. To download an application with eligibility details, please click here.

Scholarships will cover the cost of the NEC registration fee – a $775 value - making the conference free to winners. Recipients will be responsible for all other costs associated with travel to/from the conference, including airfare, lodging and non-conference meals. Additional financial assistance to offset travel expenses are at the discretion of the RFF/RFA.

For more information on the scholarship and the Renewable Fuels Foundation, please visit www.RenewableFuels-Foundation.org.

2011 NEC Scholarship Winners
(L to R: Kai Nortey, Ethan Kenney, Anuradha Mukherjee, Julia O’Rourke, Derek Latil)