Student Success Announcement:
KRISTIAN JONES GRADUATES WITH HONOR
One of GenIra 16’s first recruits, Kristian Jones recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Mississippi State University with a degree in Animal and Dairy Science. She has already been accepted into one School of Veterinary Medicine as she looks forward to (2) more scheduled interviews from (2) other schools.
Quarterly Ag Student Spotlight
Samuel Brown
Hello, my name is Samuel Brown. I am a native of Okolona, Mississippi and a graduate of Okolona High School. Currently, I am a junior at Alcorn State University, one of the first black Land Grant Institutions. I am pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Business Management. At Alcorn State, I am a recipient of the 1890’s Scholarship and am honored to serve as: Vice President of Future Farmers of America, Social Media Chair for my Class Cabinet, Mr. MANRRS 2023-2024. Additionally, I have the privilege of working as assistant to the university’s Marketing and Communications Department. Some of the activities I enjoy include spending time with friends, taking pictures, and staying socially active. My time at Alcorn has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve gained valuable knowledge from understanding the fundamentals of agriculture, to exploring the business side of the industry, and the many opportunities it offers. Becoming one of the 1890’s scholars has opened countless doors for me, including: securing a summer internship each year and guaranteeing me a job after graduation with USDA. My internship experience has been especially insightful, as I have learned how Farm Loan Officers operate. I have gained a deeper understanding of the various financial opportunities available to farmers. None of these achievements would have been possible without the guidance and support of impactful individuals in my life: Mr. John Jones, Mrs. Carolyn Jones and Mr. Chris Jones, Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance, the GenIra 16 Enterprises LLC, Mississippi 4-H, and others. Their mentorship and encouragement played an essential role in my decision to attend Alcorn to embark upon this journey. Their dedication to showcasing Alcorn State University inspired me to call this place home. Inclosing, I would like to express my heart felt appreciation to Mr. Jones and GenIra 16 for giving me the opportunity to share my story on a larger scale. I hope my journey inspires others to pursue their own paths; knowing that success, is within reach with the right support and determination. Thank You.
Applications process opens early November 2025
Previous Ag Student Spotlight
GenIra in Action
John Jones with the recipient of the 2025 Horace Mann Teaching of Excellence Award, Jackie Davis - Brown of Okolona High School. Ms. Davis-Brown provides valuable guidance and support to GenIra 16 in providing opportunities to students concerning scholarships available in the field of agriculture.
Two students, Joshua Brown, far left and Bradison Ivy far right, will be attending Alcorn State University to major in Agriculture Communications/ Food and Nutrition.
Attendees at the MMFA Annual Conference – GenIra 16 partnered and presented information on: the 1890’s Scholarship, 1890 Land Grant Institutions, and hosted a round table discussion with farmers, retired Ag teachers, USDA Employees, and new and beginning farmers. GenIra was responsible for providing speakers such as: Dr. Dexter Wakefield, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences at Alcorn State University, and Mississippi State University.
Students from Tupelo High School and Lee County School’s College and Career Fair
College and Career Fair at West Point High School
Baldwyn High School Ag Day
Madison and twin brother Gary Silas & Evelyn chose Alcorn State University. Madison majoring in Agribusiness and Gary in Animal Science.
John H. Jones & assistant Etta Jones meeting with students and parents discussing 1890s Scholarship and individual university choices.
Daniel L. Jones presented on life skills and 1890 scholarships.
GenIra 16 Enterprises partnered with MMFA as organizer and presenter of AG Day.
GenIra 16 Enterprises Representative, Clifford E. Jones, presenting to students at Smith Station Middle School at Smith Station Alabama on: agriculture majors, careers, scholarships, and internship opportunities.
GenIra 16 Representative, John Jones presenting to students at Piney Wood Country Life School, information on: agriculture majors, careers, scholarships, and internship opportunities.
John H. Jones Representative for GenIra 16 Enterprises, LLC along with The Internal Revenue Service out of Memphis, TN and Washington, DC both presented at Coahoma Community College at a Government Career Forum dealing with jobs and career opportunities within the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and other Governmental Agencies.
GenIra 16 Enterprises, LLC Representatives: Wiley F. Jones and Daniel L. Jones at Heidelberg High School, Heidelberg, MS making presentations on scholarships and careers in agriculture.
GenIra 16 Enterprises, LLC - John H. Jones participated in Baldwyn High School's AG Day discussing Agriculture Careers, employment opportunities, and the availability of the 1890's Scholarship/others.
Continuation of GenIra in Action
GenIra 16 Enterprises LLC, Daniel L. Jones in Gilbertown, Alabama at South Choctaw High School; speaking to students concerning agriculture careers, STEAM, and the availability of scholarships.
West Point High School College and Career Fair
GenIra 16 Enterprises, LLC Partners with (MMFA) Mississippi Farmers Alliance at Tupelo High School, Informing students of the cutting edge Agriculture today vs the old way of Agriculture, USDA 1890s Scholarship, preparing for taking the ACT early, and joining 4-H to gain Leadership Skills.
Students and parents from Lee, Chickasaw, Clay, and Monroe Counties visiting the Alcorn State University and Jamie Whitten Delta Research Center run by the USDA Agriculture Research Service at Stoneville, Mississippi.
