FFA Scholarships in Agriculture

FFA Scholarships

FFA Scholarships

If you are a member of Future Farmers of America, you may be eligible for their national FFA scholarships in agriculture. The FFA has about two million dollars in scholarship money available every year. These national FFA scholarship awards are spread out over multiple agriculture scholarships awarded by the FFA annually. The FFA has a variety of ag scholarships available, with different eligibility requirements for each.

Many of the FFA scholarships in agriculture that are available do not come directly from the FAA. Instead, they are awarded by private businesses and major corporations, to members of the FFA. Scholarships are available from Ford, Cargill, The National Association of Farm Broadcasters, AGCO, AGDATA, Wilbur-Ellis, Alpha Gamma Rho, Agrium, American Family Insurance, the American Veterinary Medical Association and many others.

To help students and members of the FFA to find out about FAA scholarships that are available, the FFA makes a agricultural scholarship guide available for download, free of charge, from their website. All students who are members of the FAA and their parents are encouraged to download and view this guide by the student’s junior year of high school, so that they have time to see which agriculture scholarships they are eligible for, and so that they can get their applications filled out and submitted by the deadline.

These ag scholarships may only be granted if you are majoring in a specific agricultural related field. Many of them use a wide range of criteria in awarding the national FFA scholarships, and most will include your involvement with the FFA, and may possibly include leadership skills and community service, as well as your grades and ACT and SAT scores. Again, there are different requirements for each scholarship that is offered in association with the FFA.

Through the FFA website, FFA members can apply for more than one thousand of these agricultural scholarships, with just one application. However, some of the scholarship programs require their own separate application as well. The applications are available in November of each year, and winners are selected and notified by May of the following year. These awards are for the school year that begins either in August or September of the same year. If you win one of these FFA scholarships, you will receive information about how to claim your ag scholarship by May before you start school in the fall.

Along with the agricultural scholarships guide that is available to students and parents from the FFA website, you should also be aware that you must fill out and submit your application online, as hard copy applications are not accepted. Information that you will need for your FFA scholarships application include your FFA chapter number and membership number, your FFA advisor’s contact information, your class rank and GPA, and of course, your ACT or SAT scores.

As you can see, being a member of the FFA has more benefits that you first imagined. The FFA is a wonderful organization for students, but just being a member of the organization also enables you to pay for your college education more easily. Aside from the experience and learning opportunities that the organization provides, this is why many students join the FFA during their freshman year of high school so they may apply and hopefully land a few of these national FFA scholarships in agriculture to help pay for college.

USDA Scholarships in Agriculture

USDA Scholarships

USDA Scholarships

If you are considering apply for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program agriculture scholarships, there are several things that you need to know about what is required and expected of you in order to win these scholarships in agriculture, to attend school, and to find employment after your graduation. These USDA scholarships in agriculture are offered from the United States Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the 1890 Black Land Grant Universities.

First, these USDA scholarships are only available for students who will attend one of the 18 Black Land Grant Universities. These Universities include Florida A&M, Kentucky State University, Prairie View A&M, the University of Arkansas, Alabama A&M, Langston University, University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, Southern University, West Virginia State University, Tennessee State University, Lincoln University, Tuskegee University, Virginia State University, North Carolina A&T University, Fort Valley State University, Alcorn State University, South Carolina State University, and Delaware State University.

Attending one of these colleges isn’t the only thing that is required for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Scholarship Program. The student must also major in agriculture, nutrition or food science, or other fields related to the agriculture and natural resources industries. You must be a citizen of the United States, have a GPA of at least 3.0, and have leadership qualities and have verifiable proof of community service. You must also have a score of at least 1500 on the SAT or a score of 21 on the ACT.

If you are not currently a high school student, but are instead a sophomore or junior in college, you must also submit a resume, two letters of recommendation, and an essay to apply for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program. Applications can be obtained online, but must be mailed in once they are completed, and postmarked on or before the February 1st deadline each year. Winners are notified between March 1st and April 30th, and those who did not win the USDA scholarships are notified by mail during the month of May. The applications are not sent to the USDA, they are sent directly to the school that you will be attending.

If you are awarded one of these agricultural scholarships, you will be required to work for the United States Department of Agriculture for a certain number of years beginning immediately after your graduation. The number of years coincides with the number of years that you received the award while attending school; so at most, you would be required to work for the USDA for a period of four years.

There are approximately 36 USDA scholarships for agriculture awarded under the program each year, and each ag scholarship provides the students with full tuition and associated fees, books, a laptop computer with a printer and software, room and board, and summer employment with the USDA while you are still attending school. Essentially, your entire education is paid for, which is what makes the USDA scholarships in agriculture offered under this program so attractive, and the application process so competitive.

You should also note that you can apply for the USDA scholarship program at more than one 1890 Landmark University by sending a copy of the application to each school that you are interested in attending. However, with the copy of the application, all signatures and transcripts must be original.

The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program should definitely be considered and applied for if you will be attending a qualifying college, if you meet the eligibility requirements and you will be going into an agriculture field, as you not only get the financial aid, but you will also get almost immediate experience in your chosen field upon graduation – guaranteed.

ARMS Agriculture Scholarship from USDA

Illinois Scholarships in Agriculture

Unknown Illinois Scholarships in Agriculture from Farm Credit Services

There are many unknown Illinois scholarships in agriculture for students of Illinois and those attending college in Illinois. 1st Farm Credit Services which services northern Illinois, and Farm Credit Services which services southern Illinois; has shown a continued dedication to agriculture by supporting the rural youth of America through support of the FFA Scholarships and the 4-H unknown Illinois scholarships in agriculture programs. Their support is not limited only to local communities but also to programs and counties within the state of Illinois.

What kind of career path can an agricultural scholarship lead you to? Students who have grown up in rural areas know that agriculture refers to more than just planting and harvesting seeds! A career in agriculture is a commitment to feed and sustain future generations of the world. More and more opportunities are opening up in this wide-open field. Scientist may study seeds that grow cotton for clothing. Biochemists may study soil that will grow the best crop in the shortest amount of time. The environmental scientist may study the effects of livestock on weather patterns around the world. Of course, farmers are the most important people in agriculture and will always be the backbone of the industry.

If an Illinois  scholarship in agriculture will put you on the right path to your career goal, consider the following information. 1st Farm Credit Services offers many individual agricultural scholarships to help you succeed in the field of agriculture. This institution is located in the state of Illinois and awards scholarships in agriculture to the communities that it serves. Three agricultural scholarships confirm their loyalty to students who intend to pursue agriculture as their profession.

“At The Heart of a Growing America” Agricultural Scholarship Program is the first of the Illinois scholarships in agriculture offered by this organization. This program provides 24 individual scholarships valued at $1000.00 each. Students who qualify for this agricultural scholarship must live or attend high school within the 42-county service territory of 1st Farm Credit Services. Each applicant must submit a brief essay and will be judged on their academic achievement, community involvement and activities within agricultural youth groups.

Community College Agricultural Scholarship Program provides $500.00 awards for scholarships in agricultural. The grant is given to students who attend one of the community colleges within the 42-county service territory of 1st Farm Credit Services. The recipients are chosen by the individual community colleges with no input from 1st Farm Credit Services. For those students interested in this agricultural scholarship, the accepted schools within these counties are: Black Hawk College-East Campus, Kewanee; Highland Community College, Freeport; Illinois Central College, East Peoria; Illinois Valley Community College, Oglesby; John Wood Community College, Perry; Joliet Junior College, Joliet; Kishwaukee College, Malta; Spoon River College, Canton.

The John Leatherbury Scholarship Program offers an Illinois college scholarship in agriculture in the amount of $3000.00 per year of study. This award is given to a student at the Illinois State University with a major in agriculture. Students who focus on agricultural finance, communication or marketing have an advantage in receiving this agricultural scholarship. Academic performance in high school or college, as well as ACT scores, are considered when awarding this Illinois college scholarship in agriculture.

Farm Credit which services southern Illinois, will ward twenty-three $1,000 “We Understand” Agriculture Scholarships to high school seniors this spring. To participate for this ag scholarship, applicants must be high school seniors who plan to enroll in a college or university during the fall 2009 semester and pursuing an agriculture-related academic major or career. Applicants must reside in one of the sixty southern counties in Illinois which Farm Credit serves. This Illinois agriculture scholarship application deadline is March 15, 2009.

If you live in the state of Illinois, highly consider 1st Farm Credit Services and Farm Credit unknown agricultural scholarships. It’s a fast growing, high tech industry that has many job opportunities available now and the future.

Illinois Scholarships in Agriculture from Farm Credit Services
1st Farm Credit Services Ag Scholarships (northern Illinois)
At The Heart of a Growing America Agricultural Scholarship Program
Community College Agricultural Scholarship Program
John Leatherbury Scholarship Program

Farm Credit Services Ag Scholarships (southern Illinois)
We Understand Agriculture Scholarship Program

From Wisconsin? Read about this obscure Agricultural Scholarship from Wisconsin

Roundup an Unknown Agricultural Scholarship from Monsanto

Roundup an Unknown Agricultural Scholarship from Monsanto

Many unknown agricultural scholarships are offered by Monsanto, maker of the “Roundup” brand herbicide. As an innovative company which employs over 18,000 employees throughout the world, Monsanto applies science and technology to help farmers produce healthier food. Any student interested in an agricultural career should look at the several scholarships in agriculture that this world wide corporation has to offer.

The Monsanto Commitment to Agriculture Scholarship offers 100 scholarships each year to high school seniors from farming families. Selected individuals for the agricultural scholarships receive a one-time award of $1500.00. Eligibility requirements for applicants include an above-average academic record and enrollment in an agriculture-related academic major at an accredited school. Membership in the Future Farmers of America program is not required in order to receive this agricultural scholarship.

Also available to students from farming families is the Monsanto Roadrunner Scholarship. Employees of Monsanto support this scholarship in agriculture by raising the money on their own. By running half and full marathons, the Monsanto employees fund at least five agricultural scholarships worth $1500.00 each. Applicants for this scholarship in agriculture must show an above-average academic record and must plan to enroll full-time in an agriculture-related program. The college or university must be an accredited institution.

Monsanto and DEKALB have a long standing relationship in supporting youth in agriculture. DEKALB has taken this relationship one step further to offer The DEKALB Ag Youth Scholarship. Established in 2007 by the DEKALB WingWear apparel line, 10 agricultural scholarships are granted each year. Both high school and college students who are pursuing degrees in agricultural-related fields are eligible to apply for one of the $2500.00 awards. The student applying for the DEKALB scholarship in agriculture should demonstrate leadership skills and be involved in community activities. The National FFA Organization administers this agricultural scholarship but membership in the FFA (Future Farmers of America) is not required. Applications for this ag scholarship are due by mid-February each year.

If you live in a cotton producing state, check out this unknown scholarship in agriculture. (Cotton producing states are listed as Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.) Offered by the cotton-producing company, Deltapine, this agricultural cotton scholarship requires the student to submit an essay of 500 words or less titled, “My Future in Cotton.” (An essay over 500 words will be disqualified immediately.) At $1000.00 each, the nine scholarships available are given to students interested in agriculture or agribusiness. Besides living in a cotton-producing state, the student should be involved in agriculture-related activities or organizations. Requirements for the agricultural scholarship also include a GPA of 2.8 and enrollment as a full-time student in an agriculture related program. Either a two or four year program is acceptable but it must be an accredited institution.

The above scholarships in agriculture are awarded through Monsanto or one of its subsidiaries. Family members or persons related to employees of Monsanto, its agencies or competitive companies may not be eligible to apply.

Apply now, to the above respective unknown scholarships in agriculture that may apply to you and “roundup” as many agricultural scholarships as you can. It’s an exciting career choice in today’s rapidly growing industry and a smart way to pay for college.

Helpful Tip
How to find a Student Loan Scholarship.

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American Soybean Association Agricultural Scholarship Unknown

American Soybean Association Agricultural Scholarship is an Unknown Scholarship

If you are a nature-loving individual who pines for the great outdoors, consider an agricultural scholarship offered by the American Soybean Association. This unknown scholarship flies below many scholarships radar because on the surface it does not appear that a career in agriculture is all that glamorous. Nevertheless; a lucrative and rewarding career in the field of agriculture could be yours. Your friends will be impressed when you tell them you are a ‘bean counter’.

If the thought of sitting in a cubicle all day, week after week, fills you with dread, an agriculture scholarship will allow you to work in an office where the sky is your ceiling and the grass is your carpet.

The world population is growing and all of a sudden farming is “in” again. A scholarship in agriculture can pave the way to a rewarding career. Whereas past representations of farming were old guys in overalls bailing hay and driving rickety tractors, the image is now of big business, big equipment and big profits.

This agricultural scholarship is called the Secure Optimal Yield Scholarship (SOY). It is named in honor of Kip Cullers, a southwest Missouri soybean farmer who gained instant notoriety in 2006. Mr. Cullers set a new world record for soybean yield at 139 bushels an acre! For those of you who aren’t familiar with farming and soybeans, that is an incredible yield.

The applicant for this scholarship in agriculture does not have to become a soybean scientist or commit to becoming a soybean expert. The student must only declare agriculture as their major at any accredited college or university. The American Soybean Association awards the $5000.00 agricultural scholarship to a student who has shown leadership and who has participated in extracurricular activities.

Don’t let the idea of an ag scholarship from the ASA start growing just yet. This scholarship in agriculture comes with many specific stipulations and requirements that must be met before it is awarded to the student.

Only a child or grandchild of a current American Soybean Association or state soybean association member is able to receive this agricultural scholarship. If you do not meet this guideline, consider other scholarships for agriculture that may be available. Only one award per household is available during the life of the Secure Optimal Yield agricultural scholarship.

The student must also be a current high school senior with a 3.0 GPA (grade point average). ACT/SAT standardized test scores will be used to judge the student’s worthiness to receive this ag scholarship. That’s not all! Not one but two letters of recommendation must accompany the application and don’t forget to also submit a short essay of 500 words or less.

Besides the science of planting and harvesting the food, agriculture now refers to engineering food for fuels. More and more research is being done to find alternative fuel sources. Scientists are turning to farmers to help in researching and discovering alternative ways to use corn and soybeans. A career in agriculture has many possibilities nowadays. Could a scholarship in agriculture lead you to the discovery of a new fuel source? Could it lead to a new invention for harvesting or a new seed for growing? Maybe one day an agricultural scholarship will be named in your honor! Consider the American Soybean Association and the Secure Optimal Yield Ag unknown Scholarship. Read more at: American Soybean Association Agricultural Scholarship.

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