Scholarships are awarded to children ​of professionals in the fresh produce industry who write the best essay about business ethics.

Try not to be a man of success, but rather try to be a man of value

-- Albert Einstein​

This scholarship was established to memorialize Jim Nolan, who took an ethical stand on a business matter at great cost to himself. As a result of his professional ethics, Nolan was ostracized by colleagues and remained isolated in his efforts to maintain moral integrity in his workplace. 

It would have taken only a few others with the courage to speak out to change the course of events. Tragically, Jim died before the trial that finally vindicated his actions as a judge and a jury of 13 found in his favor.

In his honor, his widow, Theresa Nolan, decided to establish scholarships for the children of professionals working in the fresh produce industry. Since Jim was a recognized leader in that industry and set a tremendous example of character and integrity, Theresa felt that there could be no better way to preserve Jim’s legacy than by encouraging students to think deeply about the importance of moral and ethical principles in the workplace.

As a result, applicants for the scholarships are asked to write a short essay about a difficult ethical situation that they have faced, been involved in or intimately aware of and evaluate how that situation was or should have been resolved for the greater good.

The Foundation awards three scholarships annually through two fresh produce trade associations. Two of these are administered by the South East Produce Council and one by the New England Produce Council.

Here are links to the applications on those organizations Web pages:

Nolan Foundation Scholarship - Southeast Produce Council

Nolan Foundation Scholarship - New England Produce Council

Announcement about the next round of scholarships will be coming soon. Please visit this page again soon for more information.