Scholarships, Grants & Opportunities

Open Date: Fall 2025

Due Date: N/A

Contact Information: Farris Haley - [email protected]

Description: The Soy Scholarship is a $7,000 one-time scholarship award presented to a current, eligible high school senior planning to pursue a degree in agriculture at an accredited college or university. The scholarship is managed by the American Soybean Association (ASA) and is made possible through a grant by BASF Corporation. The senior must be a child or grandchild of an ASA member.

The scholarship is awarded in $3,500 increments (one per semester) for the upcoming school year. The student must maintain successful academic progress and be in good standing with the college or university to receive the full amount of the scholarship. Applicants must fill out an online application during the open application period.

Application Link: https://soygrowers.com/about/awards/soy-scholarship/

Open Date: N/A

Due Date: May 1st, 2025

Contact Information: Michelle Shearer, Workforce Development Manager - 570-768-8316 or [email protected]

Description: Thanks to a partnership between the Dairy Excellence Foundation, Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association and Troegs Independent Brewing to support the next generation of dairy, there are twelve $3,000 Student Leader Scholarships available to undergraduate students for the 2025-26 academic year.

To qualify, students must:

• Be a Pennsylvania resident,
• Demonstrate a commitment to working in the dairy industry in the future, and
• Be a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in a related field of study or
• Be a high school senior planning to enroll in a related field of study

Note: Related field of study includes Dairy and Animal Science, Ag Marketing and Business, Nutrition, Food Science, Ag and Extension Education, Ag Business Management, Ag Engineering or related fields.

Application Link: https://www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/for-students-and-educators/scholarship-opportunities/student-leader-scholarship/

Open Date: N/A

Due Date: June 1st, 2025 

Contact Information: Michelle Shearer, Workforce Development Manager - 570-768-8316 or [email protected]

Description: To Be Eligible, Educators Must:

• Be registered members of the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow program and have taught the curriculum portion.
• Have at least one student who completed and passed the Introductory to Dairy course and at least one of the certificate courses since January 1, 2024.

To Apply, Educators Must:

• Complete the Online DLT Educator Scholarship Application
• Submit a photo and one (1) letter of reference that is either from an administrator, a peer agricultural educator or from an individual in the dairy industry.
• * Letter should demonstrate the applicant’s commitment to agriculture education and to preparing students for agriculture and dairy-related careers.
• * Submit the reference letter to Michelle Shearer at [email protected]

Scholarships are designated to fund the registration, accommodations and travel costs associated with an educationally-focused professional development conference or workshop totaling no more than $1,000.

Application Link: https://www.dairyleadersoftomorrow.com/scholarships/educators/

Open Date: N/A

Due Date: June 1st, 2025 

Contact Information: Michelle Shearer, Workforce Development Manager - 570-768-8316 or [email protected]

Description: Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow offers two $3,000 scholarships to incoming undergraduate students who have completed and passed the Introductory to Dairy course and at least one of the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow certification exams and associated course work by June 1, 2025. The purpose of these scholarships is to provide recognition, encouragement, and financial assistance to outstanding students enrolled in academic programs that may support the dairy industry.

To Be Eligible, Students Must:

• Be a graduating high school senior enrolled in a college or university beginning in the fall following graduation.
• Completed and passed the Introductory to Dairy course and exam.
• Completed and passed at least one of the other DLT courses and exams.

To Apply, Students Must:

• Complete the online DLT Student Scholarship Application.
• Submit a letter of recommendation from their agriculture educator to Michelle Shearer at [email protected].
• Submit a recent and accurate school transcript to Michelle Shearer at [email protected].
• Submit a photo of themselves to Michelle Shearer at [email protected].

Selection of the scholarship winners will be based on the completed application within the following criteria: academic performance; evidence of leadership, character, and integrity; application compliance and commitment to working in or promoting the dairy industry after graduation. There is no GPA requirement. However, a student’s GPA is taken into consideration within the academic performance category.

Application Link: https://www.dairyleadersoftomorrow.com/scholarships/students/

Open Date: N/A

Due Date: March 14th, 2025 

Contact Information: [email protected]

Description: The DEKALB® Agricultural Accomplishment Award is awarded to one FFA student per chapter who exemplifies scholarship, commitment, work ethic and passion for pursuing a career in agriculture. These students demonstrate promising young talent and are the rising stars of agriculture. Students must be high school seniors and can be nominated to receive this award by their FFA advisors. The DEKALB® Agricultural Accomplishment Award is awarded to one FFA student per chapter each year. Only one student per FFA Advisor is permitted to be nominated. If multiple students from a chapter are received, the first submission is the one that will be awarded. Each student nominated will receive a certificate, letter from the DEKALB® brand lead and a DEKALB® Ag Accomplishment Award pin following nomination. Each student nominated must be a high school senior. The student nominated should exemplify scholarship, commitment, work ethic and passion for pursuing a career in agriculture. Advisors are encouraged to enter their nomination 4 weeks or more prior to the awards ceremony. If nominated closer to the awards ceremony, the certificate and letter arrival cannot be guaranteed for the awards ceremony. A student must be nominated by their FFA advisor. Any nominations submitted from other parties will not be accepted.

Application Link: https://www.cropscience.bayer.us/brands/dekalb/ag-accomplishment

Open Date: Fall 2025

Due Date: N/A

Contact Information: N/A

Description: The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement is offering scholarships to high school seniors or those currently enrolled in a two or four year higher education program, with plans to pursue a career in agriculture. This doesn’t have to mean you’re planning to be a farmer – this also includes food scientists, veterinarians, ag teachers, or maybe even a Farm Credit loan officer!

In order to be eligible, you must reside in Horizon Farm Credit’s territory, made up of the following states/counties: Delaware, Maryland (Baltimore, Carroll, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, Worcester), Pennsylvania, Virginia (Accomack, Clarke, Frederick, Northampton, Page, Shenandoah, Warren), West Virginia (Berkeley, Brooke, Hancock, Jefferson, Marshall, Morgan, Ohio), or Washington D.C.

Application Link: https://fcfoundationforag.org/#interested

Open Date: Always Open 

Due Date: 15th of each month

Contact Information: [email protected]

Description: This grant has been made possible by Growing Hope Globally’s supporters who care deeply about those living in hunger and want to encourage the next generation to develop and act upon a similar passion. We are grateful that you have chosen to make a difference with your SAE project and respond to global hunger. Maximum grant amount is $1,000. Please complete the application and return to [email protected] along with the grant budget and a recent photo of your FFA chapter (optional, but encouraged). By submitting this application you give Growing Hope Globally permission to use any photos you send us on social media and for other promotional purposes. Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are due by the 15th of the month. You will be notified on the results of your application by the 15th of the following month.

Application Link: https://www.growinghopeglobally.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Growing-Hope-SAE-Grant-Application.pdf

Open Date: N/A

Due Date: N/A

Contact Information: [email protected] 

Description: The GROWMARK Foundation is committed to making investments in education and programming of the future of the agriculture industry. We provide scholarship opportunities to students who are furthering their education in agriculture-related studies or accounting. The GROWMARK Foundation Scholarship program provides (55) $2,000 scholarships to students pursuing agriculture and business-related degrees or certificates at colleges, universities, and technical schools in the United States and Ontario, Canada.

Application Link: https://jobs.growmark.com/content/Scholarships/?locale=en_US

Open Date: January 13th, 2025

Due Date: March 28th, 2025

Contact Information: [email protected]

Description: JumpStart is a new and beginner farmer grant program from Horizon Farm Credit. Each year we award up to 15 farmers a grant of $10,000 to help get them started on their agricultural journey.

Requirements:

• Be a new or beginning farmer with two years or less experience or planning to start farming in the next two years (see eligibility FAQs for rules for family farms)
• Reside in Horizon Farm Credit's territory
• Current Farm Credit customers and non-customers are eligible to apply
• Must be 18 years of age or older by the application close date

Application Link: https://www.horizonfc.com/jumpstart

Open Date: Varying Dates

Due Date: Varying Dates

Contact Information: N/A

Description: The grower-members who make up the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) are committed to broadening educational opportunities and opening doors to students passionate about serving rural America and keeping their family farms thriving.

There are currently four national scholarships offered for four distinct audiences:

• Research Students
• Technical School/Community College Students
• Undergraduate Students
• Graduate Students

Application Link: https://www.ncga.com/stay-informed/scholarships

Open Date: March 3rd, 2025

Due Date: May 15th, 2025

Contact Information: N/A

Description: Grants for Growing (G4G) is a competitive grant program for middle and high school FFA chapters that are developing and improving project-based or experiential learning opportunities for students. FFA chapters may apply for up to $5,000 through the G4G program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company (TSC).

Program Timeline

• Paper Emblem Sales: Feb. 10-22, 2025
• Award Notification: Aug. 1, 2025

Grants for Growing provides funding to support one of three areas:

• Grow Your Classroom — Funding can be used to support increasing students’ classroom knowledge.
• Grow Your FFA Chapter — Funding can be used to support the development or expansion of an FFA chapter and leadership opportunities.
• Grow Your Ag Awareness — Funding can be used to support the development or expansion of an agricultural literacy event or campaign.

Application Link: https://www.ffa.org/grants-for-growing/

Open Date: Yearlong

Due Date: Yearlong

Contact Information: [email protected] 

Description: Living to Serve Grants provide an opportunity for FFA chapters and state FFA associations/foundations to seek funding to support various types of service projects through a competitive application process. There are 4 opportunities for Living to Serve Grants: Yearlong Grants, Semester-Long Grants, Day of Service Mini Grants, State Day of Service Grants. Applicants must identify a community need that falls within one of four focus areas: community safety; hunger, health and nutrition; environmental responsibility; or community engagement.

Application Link: https://www.ffa.org/LivingtoServe/grants

Open Date: October 2025

Due Date: November 15th, 2025

Contact Information: [email protected]

Description: Do you need financial assistance to help start or expand your SAE? A limited number of grants of $1,000 each are available to current FFA members each year. Your FFA membership must be current, and applicants must be in grades 7-12 and demonstrate financial need. SAE Grants are awarded primarily based on financial need. Grant applications are evaluated by the SAE Grant Committee and are awarded primarily on demonstrated financial need. Please Note: The advisor’s statement is crucially important in establishing the financial need and eligibility of the applicant. When applying for a grant, select the SAE Grant Pathway/Focus Area that best fits your SAE. Each year, our corporate sponsors and donors pledge to award a certain number of grants within each SAE Grant Pathway/Focus Area. Read the descriptions for each SAE Grant Pathway/Focus Area carefully and select the option that best fits your SAE project in your application. You may also select a secondary SAE Grant Pathway/Focus Area in which your project may also qualify. Mid-Year Report - All grant recipients are required to submit a mid-year progress report by June 30 detailing the use of the grant funds.

Application Link: https://www.ffa.org/participate/grants-and-scholarships/sae-grants/

Open Date: November 1st, 2024

Due Date: January 9th, 2025

Contact Information: [email protected] (Please allow 24-48 hours for response)

Description: Whether you are pursuing a trade school, vocational certificate or a two-year or four-year degree, don’t miss your chance to apply for a National FFA Scholarship to help with your next steps in education. If you are a senior FFA member in high school or FFA Alumni in college, just one application is required for multiple scholarship opportunities totaling nearly $2.5 million.

Application Link: https://www.ffa.org/participate/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships/

Open Date: N/A

Due Date: September 15th, 2024

Contact Information: [email protected]

Description: To qualify for this scholarship, the applicant must be a current or previous member of 4-H and/or FFA. The applicant must have exhibited in at least one of the following shows/areas at the Pennsylvania Farm Show:

• a junior market steer, lamb, hog or goat in 2013 or later
• a junior breeding meat goat, beef, or sheep in 2013 or later
• a junior dairy goat or dairy cattle in 2013 or later
• a farm product/family living project in 2013 or later
• a rabbit or meat pen in 2018 or later

Awards are based on Pennsylvania Farm Show participation and volunteerism, academics, financial need, 4-H and/or FFA involvement and community service as determined from the application and letters of support.

Application Link: https://pafsscholarshipfoundation.com/apply-for-a-scholarship/

Open Date: N/A

Due Date: N/A

Contact Information: Cindy Sullivan - 717-236-5040 ext. 136 or [email protected]

Description: The Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Scholarship Program enhances educational opportunities for eligible students who reside in Pennsylvania. The program is privately funded by individual and corporate donors; no tax or other public funds are used. The program is administered by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (a 501(c)(3) community foundation) and uses the nowU Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program at the State Treasury Department to ensure that the scholarships keep pace with tuition inflation (nowU, formerly TAP 529, was established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1992). The program provides four-year scholarships to two high school seniors per year. The award is to be used towards the cost of tuition and fees for a four-year program at a college, university, or career school in Pennsylvania. Each award consists of the value of one semester of tuition at Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania which is a state supported school for each of four years, as stipulated by members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives when the scholarship was established. Half of each annual award will be paid in the fall semester, and half in the spring semester. Students must maintain eligibility criteria in all four years in order to receive ongoing awards.

Application Link: https://www.tfec.org/scholarships/pahr/

Open Date: N/A

Due Date: April 15th 

Contact Information: [email protected]

Description: The Pennsylvania Livestock Association presents educational scholarships to outstanding young individuals on the basis of outstanding leadership skills, a keen interest in the livestock industry and an involvement in KILE and support of PLA among other traits. Interested candidates should complete a detailed application, including academic transcripts and personal references as well as a narrative about their livestock involvement. A student may receive the Pennsylvania Livestock Association Scholarship award one time only. Recipients of scholarship awards will be notified individually by the PLA Scholarship Committee. The scholarship will be presented at the KILE Opening Ceremony held in conjunction with the KILE Show.

Application Link: https://palivestockassoc.org/uploads/3/4/5/0/34508188/2023_kile_scholarship_app.pdf

Open Date: N/A

Due Date: June 30th

Contact Information: Martha Ebersole - [email protected]

Description: The MSGR. JOHN W. MIGNOT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM is annually available to students who are Pennsylvania residents, currently (or had been previously) active for at least 2 years in a f air that is a m ember of PSACF (PA State Association of County Fairs), and will be attending college (or other type of institution of higher learning) the Fall semester of the current year. The fair where you are/had been active will endorse and submit your application for consideration. The website, www.pafairs.org has the Scholarship Application and offers a complete list of our member fairs.

Application Link: https://www.pafairs.org/p/about/msgr-mignotpsacf-scholarship

Open Date: N/A

Due Date: N/A

Contact Information: [email protected]

Description:  Work your way into a rewarding career in meat processing with an innovative new program that matches career seekers with training and paid work experience while you learn. The Butcher School Apprenticeship Program opens educational opportunities for anyone to work at one of Pennsylvania’s meat processing facilities! Apprentices in the program will study at the University Park campus for five weeks to learn the basics of butchering and are then hired into full-time positions at meat processing facilities in Pennsylvania (or beyond if desired). These positions offer competitive wages while the apprentice learns the basics of meat processing to support on-the-job training and set trainees up for lifetime career growth. Whether you are just starting your career post-high school or are looking for a career change in your professional life, this program supports your interests in learning about meat processing through fast-paced, experiential learning.

Program Link: https://extension.psu.edu/butcher-apprenticeship-program

Open Date: November 

Due Date: N/A

Contact Information: [email protected] or (570) 836-3168

Description: Each year, Premier Select Sires awards up to $20,000 to students within the Premier territory through the Premier Future Ag Leaders Scholarship Program. Two exemplary students receive $2,500 scholarships through either the Johnny Daniel Memorial Scholarship or the Wayne Dudley Scholarship. Several other students receive scholarships of varying amounts.

Eligibility Requirements/Rules

• High school seniors through college seniors enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate agriculture-related major may apply.
• The student or his/her parent or guardian must reside in the Premier membership area and must be an active Premier customer in good standing.
• Previous scholarship winners remain eligible during subsequent award years; however, a student can only receive a $2,500 scholarship once in his/her school career.
• Further instructions are provided on the application. We recommend downloading the application before typing into the form fields.

The Premier Future Ag Leaders Scholarship Program provides financial support to eligible college undergraduates in agricultural majors. The program provides additional return to the cooperative’s member-owners by supporting the next generation of young people desiring to study and work in the agriculture industry. The Premier Select Sires, Inc. board of directors has made a commitment to providing money to support this scholarship program on an ongoing annual basis.

Application Link: https://www.premierselectsires.com/whats-new-at-premier-select-sire/scholarship-information/

Open Date: January 1st 

Due Date: March 15th 

Contact Information: [email protected]

Description: Each year, Sullivan Supply offers 20 scholarships of $1,000 each to youth displaying a great passion for the livestock show industry and/or livestock production. Candidate must be a graduating high school senior or college student 21 years of age or younger; resident of the U.S. or Canada, and not a previous Sullivan scholarship winner. An agriculture major or a career goal in livestock is not a requirement but a continued future involvement in the livestock industry is.

Application guidelines include the following:

• List or describe your school, community, 4-H and/or FFA involvement.
• Describe your involvement and experience in showing and/or raising livestock, along with your future goals and career plans in an essay (no more than two typed pages).
• One letter of recommendation must accompany each application. – One only, please. (Please wait for your application number before submitting your recommendation letter.)
• One high resolution head shot photo of the applicant. The applicant should be the only one in the image. Please submit in JPEG format. Please submit via online application or to [email protected] (with your application number) by March 15th of the deadline year.

The scholarship is funded solely through Sullivan Supply Inc. The scholarship recipients will be selected by a committee of five industry leaders that will be kept confidential to promote objectivity. Members of the Sullivan family or Sullivan Supply employees or immediate family members will not serve on this committee nor will they be eligible to receive the scholarships.

Application Link: https://www.sullivansupply.com/scholarships/#apply

Open Date: February 13th, 2025

Due Date: March 10th, 2025

Contact Information: N/A

Description: Targeting Excellence scholarships will be awarded by a scholarship committee comprised of the national board of directors and regional leaders involved in food animal production. Scholarships will reflect the interest of annual contributors and the participants of the fund-raising events. Scholarships will be awarded to both undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an agricultural curriculum at an institution that offers degrees in agriculture. Preference will always be given to applicants with a desire to work in some aspect of food animal production.

Application Link: https://targetingexcellence.org/scholarship_info/

Open Date: See Description

Due Date: See Description

Contact Information: N/A

Description:  Do you teach in a middle and high school classroom? Do you have an innovative idea for improving STEM (Science, technology, engineering and math) learning in your classroom? Is your idea project based learning with measurable outcomes? What do you need to make learning STEM subjects fun for your students? Sixth to 12th grade teachers are invited to apply on-line for a Toshiba America Foundation grant of up to $5,000 and more than $5,000 to help bring an innovative project into their own classroom. With a Toshiba America Foundation grant, sixth to 12th grade teachers can bring their best new teaching ideas to life.

Typical Toshiba America Foundation Grant Schedule:

Application Link: https://www.toshiba.com/taf/612.jsp

Open Date: Always Open

Due Date: Always Open 

Contact Information: N/A

Description: FSA makes loans to individual young persons to start and operate income-producing projects of modest size in connection with their participation in 4-H clubs, FFA, a Tribal youth group, or similar agricultural youth organization. The project being financed with an FSA Youth Loan needs to provide an opportunity for the young person to acquire experience and education in agriculture-related skills. The Youth Loan application requires a recommendation from a project advisor who verifies that he/she will sponsor the loan applicant, has the correct training and experience to supervise your project, and is available to help whenever needed. If you are between the ages of 10 and 20 years at the time of loan closing, parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) must consent to the loan application. Young people applying for a Youth Loan are personally responsible for repaying the loan. A co-signer is required only if the project shows possible difficulty in repaying the loan or does not meet security requirements.

Application Link: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/farm-loan-programs/youth-loans?fbclid=IwAR3iKTZ3u4UFv7aw7Ks1s6QdXixcyMQ8ccNf-FTwyPZiYnQiQn5BugbvwGg

Open Date: February 24th, 2025

Due Date: April 20th, 2025

Contact Information: [email protected]

Description: The Vetericyn Future Innovators of Agriculture & Veterinary Sciences Scholarship is an annual award designed to support graduating high school seniors in the United States who are pursuing higher education in agriculture, animal health, or food science.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a graduating high school senior.
• Plan to enroll full-time in a 2- or 4-year university, vocational, trade, or technical school in an agricultural or veterinary discipline.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (transcripts required).
• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Demonstrate a commitment to agriculture through classes, internships, volunteer work, or life experiences.​

Application Link: https://vetericyn.com/scholarship/