The John Relk Memorial Scholarship
The Relk Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the legacy of the Nampa Farmers Market’s founders, John and Afine Relk. It aims to inspire and support youth entrepreneurs in agriculture, foods, arts, and crafts. Awardees commit to a 15-week program, working alongside experienced vendors to develop hands-on skills and gain valuable entrepreneurial experience.
Program Benefits
- Paid Membership Dues: Scholarship recipients receive full or partial vendor membership at the Nampa Farmers Market.
- Supplies Included: Access to canopies, tables, chairs, and signage for use during the market season.
- Subsidized Weekly Booth Fee: Eligible vendors pay a reduced rate of $5–$10 per week.
- Valuable Experience: Recipients gain skills in salesmanship, self-sufficiency, and entrepreneurship while preparing for future careers or business ventures.
Growing the Next Generation of Local Vendors
The scholarship program encourages participants aged 11–17 to:
- Enrich their extracurricular activities through growing, researching, and selling goods at the market.
- Expand their horizons by partnering with experienced vendors and gaining real-world business skills.
- Improve their communication, presentation, and planning abilities in a supportive environment.
- Provide a foundation for ethical work practices and entrepreneurial skills.
- Prepare for the future by fostering self-sufficiency and salesmanship skills.
About John Relk
John Relk was a math, chemistry, and physics teacher as well as a part-time farmer and gardener. He co-founded the Nampa Farmers Market with his wife, Afine, in 1989 to create a community hub where local producers could sell their goods. Inspired by Afine's experience with farmers markets in the Netherlands, they envisioned a vibrant marketplace that brought the community together.
Before his passing, John expressed a desire to teach young people how to grow and sell their own produce, fostering a love for gardening and entrepreneurship. The Relk Memorial Scholarship was established to bring his vision to life, encouraging future generations to carry on his legacy of hard work and community spirit.