RIO GRANDE COUNTY – For the third straight year, Rio Grande County Commissioners in partnership with Rio Grande County Noxious Weed Department and the Monte Vista School District gave four students $500 scholarships for participating in the Noxious Weed Scholarship Program.

The program was started in 2021 by Rio Grande County Noxious Weed Director Armando ross who, after approaching Rio Grande County Commissioners, explained that through this program students would not only learn about the effects of noxious weeds within their communities but also serve as a scholarship for those who participated. The program was an instant success and has now helped over 15 students with much needed second education funding.

The program was launched through the Monte Vista School District’s STEM program and now Future Farmers of America (FFA). Students learn unique skills while designing the noxious weeds of their choice and creating models with a 3D printer. The models are then used by Ross in educational seminars, events like the Monte Vista Crane Festival and ag show as well to show the public what these plants look like in 3D form.

After the first year of the program, Rio Grande County Commissioners voted to increase the amount of the scholarship, which brought more students out to participate. “We are really proud of these students. They work really hard after school, during holidays for months to create these models. All the while learning about the plant and the negative effects it can cause in communities,” said Ross.

Rio Grande County Commissioners welcomed Rio Grande County Weed District Director Armando Ros, and Monte Vista STEM Teacher Chris Vance and awarded Jordan Garcia, James Little, Reminee Mascarenas, and Elena Baumgardner with their well-earned scholarships on April 23.

Ross hopes to bring the program to more schools throughout the Valley in the future and encourages any district interested in the program to reach out to him for more information. To contact him please email rgweed@riograndecounty.org