Since the U.S. Department of Agriculture now estimates that there are over 2.2 million farms scattered across the country and 96% of them are family-owned, it makes sense that more organizations are creating scholarships for children of farmers to benefit these families.
If you were raised on a farm, then you are well-aware that farming is a tough business that teaches valuable life skills. Whether you are interested in carrying your family’s legacy by entering the agricultural industry or are moving on to greener pastures in another career path, the following are 25 of the best scholarships for children of farmers to turn your farming background into free money for achieving your personal goals in college.
1. Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: April 18th
Since its inception in 2002, the Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship has provided $2,250 annually in financial assistance to ten children and grandchildren of Farm Bureau members who are currently pursuing a degree in agriculture at any accredited Arkansas institution with junior or senior-level standing. Qualified applicants must be Arkansas residents, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and be enrolled in at least 12 credits.
Contact
Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship
P.O. Box 31
Little Rock, AR 72203
(501) 224-4400
chuck.tucker@arfb.com
Scholarship Link
2. Berrien Fragos Thorn Scholarship for Migrant Farmworkers
Deadline: June 1st
Through the Geneseo Migrant Center, the Berrien Fragos Thorn Scholarship for Migrant Farmworkers is granted annually for $2,500 to children of parents with a history of migration to the United States in order to obtain work in farming. Eligible candidates who are 16 years old or over must demonstrate an interest in pursuing further development of their talents in painting, sculpture, photography, theatre, music, dance, animation, film, literature, or other art forms.
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Contact
Berrien Fragos Thorn Scholarship for Migrant Farmworkers
3 Mt. Morris-Leicester Rd.
Leicester, NY 14481
(800) 245-5681
mreho@gvboces.org
3. Charles E. Kruse Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
Administered through the Missouri Farm Bureau in memory of an extraordinary agricultural leader in the state, the Charles E. Kruse Memorial Scholarship is presented each year for $1,000 to graduating high school seniors who are the children of active farm members. In order to qualify, candidates must submit a personal statement, official high school transcript, two letters of recommendation, and proof of enrollment in an agricultural program full-time at any four-year accredited Missouri institution.
Contact
Charles E. Kruse Memorial Scholarship
701 South Country Club Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65102
(573) 893-1414
dolson@mofb.com
4. Dairy Farmers of America Scholarships
Deadline: January 15th
For individuals who were raised on a dairy farm and wish to pursue a career in the dairy industry, the Dairy Farmers of America Scholarships are designed to provide at least $2,000 to undergraduate and graduate students who are earning a degree in dairy herd management, large animal veterinary medicine, manufacturing, dairy nutrition, dairy foods, genetics, processing, or other related fields. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited program, demonstrate academic achievement, and show passion for the dairy industry.
Contact
Dairy Farmers of America Scholarships
10220 North Ambassador Drive
Kansas City, MO 64153
(816) 801-6118
mlascon@dfamilk.com
5. Dick Mitchell Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 19th
Sponsored by the Texas Farm Bureau (TXFB), the Dick Mitchell Memorial Scholarship offers $1,000 to children of a member farming family who have participated in the Texas Farm Bureau Youth Leadership Conference. Eligible candidates must be Texas residents, be high school juniors or graduating seniors, have completed a community service project to promote farming, and submit a typed two-page personal essay describing future education/career goals.
Contact
Dick Mitchell Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 2689
Waco, TX 76702
(254) 772-3030
bhowe@txfb.org
6. Farm Credit Mid-America Scholarship Program
Deadline: February 28th
The Farm Credit Mid-America Scholarship Program offers 26 awards for $1,500 and 26 awards for $1,000 annually to the children or grandchildren of customer-members who are residing on a family farm within Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, or Tennessee. Qualified applicants must plan to attend a two or four-year university within the next year, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, possess work experience in agriculture, and submit an essay on their chosen career.
Contact
Farm Credit Mid-America Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 34390
Louisville, KY 40232
(502) 420-3756
rbarbee@e-farmcredit.com
Scholarship Link
7. Farm Kids for College Scholarships
Deadline: March 6th
With the mission of providing a path for today’s young people to meet the challenges that lie ahead in the food and agriculture industries, the National Farmers (NFO) offers the Farm Kids for College Scholarships for $1,000 to children of farmers who are graduating from high school and plan to pursue an agriculture-related degree at an accredited U.S. institution. All applicants will be required to demonstrate their knowledge and imagination by composing two brief essays.
Contact
Farm Kids for College Scholarships
528 Billy Sunday Rd. Suite 100
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 598-4670
hbergren@nfo.org
8. Foremost Farms USA College Scholarship
Deadline: February 28th
Established to provide tuition assistance to the sons and daughters of member farm-owners, the Foremost Farms USA College Scholarship provides up to $2,000 for ten graduating high school seniors annually who express a sincere desire in continuing education in an agriculture-oriented occupational field at an accredited university, college, or technical school in the U.S. Selection will be based on academic performance, involvement in dairy farm operations, work experience, potential to succeed, and participation in community activities.
Contact
Foremost Farms USA College Scholarship
10889 East Penny Lane
Baraboo, WI 53913
(608) 355-8700
doug.wilke@foremostfarms.com
9. Glady Bellamy Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
In honor of a renowned leader in the tree fruit industry and founder of Columbia Marketing International (CMI), the Glady Bellamy Memorial Scholarship is presented through the Washington Apple Education Foundation annually for $5,000 to an outstanding young person who was raised on a tree fruit farm. Qualified candidates must be pursuing a career within the industry, be enrolled full-time at a two or four-year accredited college, and be in good standing.
Contact
Glady Bellamy Memorial Scholarship
2900 Euclid Avenue
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 663-7713
jennifer.witherbee@waef.org
10. Iowa Soybean Association Scholarships
Deadline: March 1st
Annually, the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) distributes ten scholarships for $1,500 a piece to graduating high school seniors who are the children or grandchildren of policy dues-paying members with a soybean farm in the state. To be eligible, applicants must be planning to study agriculture at any U.S. institution, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, demonstrate leadership experience in community service involvement, and submit three recommendations.
Contact
Iowa Soybean Association Scholarships
1255 SW Prairie Trail Parkway
Ankeny, IA 50023
(515) 669-7660
hlilienthal@iasoybeans.com
11. Independent Professional Seed Association Scholarships
Deadline: May 15th
In order to encourage the education of future agriculture professionals, the Independent Professional Seed Association Scholarships are granted annually for $1,000 to three deserving graduating high school seniors or active college students who are majoring in agriculture, with preference given to the children of farmers. Applicants must attach a transcript, list of academic honors, two recommendation letters, recent photo, and five 300-word response essays.
Contact
Independent Professional Seed Association Scholarships
P.O. Box 241312
Omaha, NE 68124
(402) 991-3550
greg@independentseeds.com
12. James L. Smith Agricultural Scholarship Fund
Deadline: June 2nd
Established by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation (CRCF), the James L. Smith Agricultural Scholarship Fund presents up to $1,000 annually for graduating high school seniors who are the children of farmers within the Chautauqua Region of New York. While applicants will be accepted for pursuing any major, preference will be given to applicants who are pursuing an agricultural-related degree, including the fields of veterinary medicine and genetic research.
Contact
James L. Smith Agricultural Scholarship Fund
418 Spring St.
Jamestown, NY 14701
(716) 661-3390
llynde@crcfonline.org
13. Jean and Calvin Ibendahl Scholarship Program
Deadline: June 1st
Through the American Agri-Women Foundation, the Jean and Calvin Ibendahl Scholarship Program provides $1,000 annually to daughters of farmers and ranchers in Illinois who will be pursuing an accredited degree in agricultural leadership, communications, medicine, rural sociology, or another agriculture-related field. Qualified applicants must exhibit financial need, have knowledge or work experience in agriculture, and be in good academic standing.
Contact
Jean and Calvin Ibendahl Scholarship Program
11841 North Mt. Vernon Rd.
Shannon, IL 61078
(877) 750-2550
secretary@americanagriwomen.org
14. John Korsbeck Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Each year, the Montana Farmers Union presents the John Korsbeck Memorial Scholarship for $1,000 to high school seniors and college students who are the children of union members and will be attending a two or four-year institution within Montana in any area of study. Students must be Montana residents, carry at least 12 credit hours each semester, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better, and demonstrate involvement in daily farming operations.
Contact
John Korsbeck Memorial Scholarship
300 River Drive North
P.O. Box 2447
Great Falls, MT 59403
(800) 234-4071
mfu@montanafarmersunion.com
15. Kentucky Farm Bureau Educational Scholarships
Deadline: February 28th
Ranging in value from $500 to $3,000, the Kentucky Farm Bureau Educational Scholarships are distributed each year to 83 graduating high school seniors statewide who are the children of a Farm Bureau member in good standing. Qualified recipients should have a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 or better, be entering an accredited four-year degree program full-time, be actively engaged in production agriculture, and submit a brief narrative describing their family farm.
Contact
Kentucky Farm Bureau Educational Scholarships
9201 Bunsen Parkway
P.O. Box 20700
Louisville, KY 40250
(502) 778-1047
Scholarship Link
16. Lupe Social Justice Scholarship
Deadline: March 24th
At the University of California at Davis, the Lupe Social Justice Scholarship is available for $1,000 to currently enrolled high-achieving students with at least sophomore-level standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher who are the natural children of farm workers. Recipients will be chosen based on financial need for assistance, leadership potential, involvement in community service activities, and expressed interest in a career working toward social justice.
Contact
Lupe Social Justice Scholarship
1 Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 752-1011
sympa@ucdavis.edu
17. National Dairy Leadership Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April 4th
As the oldest farm commodity organization in the United States, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) holds the National Dairy Leadership Scholarship Fund to provide financial assistance to children of dairy farm families who are actively pursuing dairy-related fields. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program in agriculture communications, animal health, bovine genetics, dairy products processing, dairy science, economics, environmental science, food science, food safety, herd management, or nutrition.
Contact
National Dairy Leadership Scholarship Fund
2101 Wilson Blvd. Suite 400
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 243-6111
bbriczinski@nmpf.org
18. National Poultry and Food Distributors Association Scholarship
Deadline: May 31st
Annually, the National Poultry and Food Distributors Association Scholarship offers $2,000 to children of farmers who are currently enrolled as a full-time junior or senior undergraduate student at an agricultural university in the United States. Applicants must be pursuing a poultry-related degree in agricultural business, poultry science, food science, animal health, veterinary medicine, or food marketing as well as submit a one-page letter describing their aspirations.
Contact
National Poultry and Food Distributors Association Scholarship
2014 Osborne Rd.
Saint Marys, GA 31558
(770) 535-9901
kkm@npfda.org
19. Robert and Helen McClelland Farm Child Scholarship
Deadline: March 26th
In honor of a beloved couple who devoted their 40-year farm careers to raising livestock and farming over 600 acres, the Robert and Helen McClelland Farm Child Scholarship is granted to an outstanding graduating high school senior who was raised on an operating farm in Hancock County of Ohio. Applicants must be enrolling full-time in an accredited U.S. university, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, be U.S. citizens, and demonstrate financial need.
Contact
Robert and Helen McClelland Farm Child Scholarship
101 West Sandusky St. Suite 207
Findlay, OH 45840
(419) 425-1100
sjoseph@community-foundation.com
20. Sea Mar Scholarship for Children of Farmworkers
Deadline: April 1st
In order to acknowledge the economic barriers students of farm-working families often face on their way towards obtaining a college degree, the Sea Mar Scholarship for Children of Farmworkers is focused on providing financial support to students who are the natural sons and daughters of farmworkers residing in Washington. Applicants must exhibit commitment to their education, display leadership qualities, and be pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Contact
Sea Mar Scholarship for Children of Farmworkers
113 23rd Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98144
(206) 965-1057
scholarships@seamarchc.org
21. Sister Thomas More Bertels Scholarship
Deadline: June 1st
Established by the American Agri-Women Foundation in honor of the founding mother who travelled the United States and Canada to empower producers to realizing their full potential, the Sister Thomas More Bertels Scholarship provides $1,000 to female undergraduate students who are the daughters of farmers. Eligible women must be 24 years old or over, be pursuing a course of study directly related to agriculture, showcase financial need, and have extensive work experience in agriculture.
Contact
Sister Thomas More Bertels Scholarship
11841 North Mt. Vernon Rd.
Shannon, IL 61078
(877) 750-2550
secretary@americanagriwomen.org
22. Stanley Moore FUI Foundation Regional Scholarships
Deadline: April 21st
Available for children of Farmers Union members in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, the Stanley Moore FUI Foundation Regional Scholarships supply $1,500 in financial assistance for attending a two or four-year accredited institution in the United States for any area of study. Along with the application, students must submit an official transcript, two letters of recommendation, a three-page essay, and 10-minute oral presentation.
Contact
Stanley Moore FUI Foundation Regional Scholarships
1118 Broadway
Alexandria, MN 56308
(320) 763-6561
communication@mfu.org
23. United Agricultural Benefit Trust Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 1st
With up to $75,000 up for grabs each year, the United Agricultural Benefit Trust Scholarship Program is offered to children of farmers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico who are members of the UnitedAg or UABT. Qualified applicants must be presently enrolled in an accredited university, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in any major, submit three letters of recommendation, compose a two-page essay, and attach a one-page typed resume.
Contact
United Agricultural Benefit Trust Scholarship Program
54 Corporate Park
Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 975-1573
scholarship@ual.org
24. United Farmers Cooperative Scholarships
Deadline: April 1st
Designed to reward the academic achievements, extra-curricular participation, and community involvement of the dependent children of active farmer producers, the United Farmers Cooperative Scholarships provide up to $1,500 to graduating high school seniors and recent high school graduates who will be enrolling for the first time in an undergraduate program. Selection will be strongly based upon academic performance, leadership in school activities, work experience, career aspirations, and unusual family circumstances.
Contact
United Farmers Cooperative Scholarships
One Scholarship Way
Saint Peter, MN 56082
(507) 931-1682
info@ufcmn.com
25. Wilson Artisan Wineries Scholarships
Deadline: April 11th
Each year, the Sonoma County Farm Bureau confers 23 Wilson Artisan Wineries Scholarships for $750 to $1,500 to graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students who are the natural children of vineyard workers within Sonoma County. For consideration, qualified candidates must submit a signed application, official high school or college transcript, completed academic advisor/counselor statement, list of career goals, and personal statement.
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Contact
Wilson Artisan Wineries Scholarships
1400 Lytton Springs Rd.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 544-5575
info@sonomafb.org
As the hefty price tag associated with earning a college degree is steadily climbing nationwide, it is nearly impossible for the majority of students to afford a college education without some form of financial aid. While loans are the popular routes for helping students finance their degree, the borrowed money will cause accumulated student loan debt that will need to be repaid with interest upon graduation. Luckily, there are scholarships for children of farmers available for students who were raised on farms in rural communities to cover the costs of higher education without repayment constraints.
