The Rural Scholarship recognises individual students who strive to make a positive impact on the future of rural and regional NSW through university, tafe or other accredited VET courses.

The third-year Bachelor of Rural Science student said she was “incredibly lucky” to have won the $6000 grant. 

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“I honestly didn’t expect to get it. I was very surprised and I am grateful because I was planning to move back to Sydney because of the financial burden of rent,” Ms Longworth said.

“I was thinking about doing an international agricultural unit in Cambodia at the end of year, and this will definitely help out with the cost of that.”

Ms Longworth, originally from North Rocks, was one of four Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Foundation rural scholarship awardees in the New England region.

The 19-year-old credits studying at Muirfield High School and its agricultural program as sparking her passion for the industry.

“We had two great teachers, Karen Heap and Tony Turner, and they were really influential for me,” Ms Longworth said. 

“I’m not really sure what part of the agricultural industry I want to pursue but I have done a few subjects in soil and agronomy units so maybe down that path.”

This year the RAS Foundation awarded 53 scholarships across the state.

“While a desire to be a part of the future of rural NSW may already be there, the RASF Rural Scholarships assist in making that dream happen,” RAS Foundation manager Cecilia Logan said.

“Many of these students have identified the unique needs of their local communities and are working towards giving back once they complete their studies. That may be through health, education, technology, agriculture or anything in between.”