Grants, Scholarships and Contests

The PSU FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapter is excited to announce the 2024 Teach Ag Essay Contest! All necessary information can be found in the attached Contest Handbook. The Submission Form can be found in the Handbook and at the link below. All student submissions are due no later than 11:59pm on Friday, April 19th.

The 2024 Submission Form can be found HERE. 

Handbook can be found HERE. 

As a quick overview, students will plan and teach an agricultural science related lesson of their choosing to a class of their peers. After teaching the lesson, students will record a video reflection about their experience (uploaded to YouTube) and write a short essay related to our 2024 contest theme of "Dare to Be". The specific prompts are found in the handbook and submission form. In addition, students will submit two photos: one with their ag teacher and one of them teaching their lesson. A photo release statement is included on the Submission Form for students to authorize use of their photos (students have the option to opt out if they so choose). All conference participants will receive an invitation to an ice cream social and the top four finalists will be recognized at the 2024 PA FFA State Convention.

If you or your students have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Erica Teagarden ([email protected]) or Abigail O’Neill ([email protected]). We thank you in advance for supporting your students in this endeavor and for the work you do each day in inspiring the future of our profession!

Penn State University Launches 2024 Session of the Butcher Apprenticeship Program 

University Park, PA— Penn State University is proud to announce the launch of its 2024 Butcher Apprenticeship Program, designed to revolutionize education and meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the meat processing industry.

The Butcher Apprenticeship Program, hosted by Penn State Extension, is a comprehensive initiative to provide hands-on training and education for individuals aspiring to become proficient butchers. This program is tailored to equip participants with the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise required for a successful career in meat processing.

Key Program Highlights:

1. Hands-On Training: The program emphasizes practical, experiential learning, allowing apprentices to develop their skills in a real-world setting. Participants will gain insights into meat fabrication, knife skills, food safety, as well as an introduction into the science and art of the butcher trade under the guidance of seasoned industry professionals.

2. Comprehensive Curriculum: The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including meat anatomy, food safety and sanitation, customer service, and business management. Apprentices will receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for diverse roles within the meat processing industry.

3. Industry-Relevant Expert Instructors: The Butcher Apprenticeship Program boasts a team of industry experts and seasoned instructors who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom. Participants will benefit from direct mentorship and guidance from professionals with a proven track record in the field.

4. Job Placement Assistance: Upon successfully completing the program, apprentices will have access to job placement assistance and networking opportunities. Penn State is dedicated to helping graduates launch their careers and contribute to the growth of the meat processing industry.

Penn State Extension invites prospective participants, industry stakeholders, and the media to explore the Butcher Apprenticeship Program's official website: https://extension.psu.edu/butcher-apprenticeship-program for detailed information about the curriculum, admission requirements, and application process.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Dana Ollendyke

Program Coordinator

[email protected]

Premier Select Sires will award up to $20,000 to students within the Premier territory through the 2024 Premier Future Ag Leaders Scholarship Program. Two exemplary students will receive $2,500 scholarships through either the Johnny Daniel Memorial Scholarship or the Wayne Dudley Scholarship. Several other students will receive scholarships of $750-$1,000 in value.

Scholarship application forms will be available beginning November 15, 2023 under the “News” tab of www.premierselectsires.com, by calling (570) 836-3168, or by emailing [email protected]. Completed scholarship applications are due January 31, 2024.

Eligible students include high school seniors through college seniors presently enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate agriculture-related major. 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.

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 an FFA Alumni in college, just one application is required for multiple scholarship opportunities totaling nearly $2.5 million. Apply for the National FFA Scholarship! Deadline to apply is January 11, 2024. 

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

We believe agricultural education students should have the maximum opportunity to grow and succeed, leaving high school as prepared as is possible for the world ahead. That's why we believe in enhancing the curriculum, the opportunities and the tools available in agricultural education classrooms through the Learning by Doing Grants.  The Foundation has awarded $160,000 to support agriculture education through the Learning by Doing Grant program over the last 6 years.

Grant applications are judged by a group of volunteers including Pennsylvania FFA Foundation Trustees, retired agricultural education instructors, and industry leaders.  Applicant names and schools are removed from the application prior to being sent to the judges which allows applications to be judged solely on criteria outlined in the scorecard.  To learn more or to apply for the Learning by Doing Grant, visit https://paffa.org/learning-by-doing

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

The Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Foundation will award cash scholarships to outstanding students who have participated in the Pennsylvania Farm Show. This is a highly competitive, prestigious grant program and to be considered it is important that the applicant adheres to the specifications and requirements of all application procedures.

In 2023, Horizon Farm Credit launched a new grant opportunity for anyone 18+ years of age. Horizon Farm Credit will offer JumpStart Grants to anyone who launched a small farming business in the last two years or plan to start one in the next two years. Applicants must also reside in Horizon Farm Credit's territory. 

To learn more or apply: horizonfc.com/jumpstart.

These grants are intended to give your efforts a boost and allow you to make a greater impact in a short amount of time. Grant funds can be used in whatever way you think will help the most. However, you are expected to stick with the budget you submit.

To learn more and apply, visit https://www.growinghopeglobally.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Growing-Hope-SAE-Grant-Application.pdf

Applications

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.  Individuals living in the following Pennsylvania counties are eligible to apply - Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lebanon, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Pike, Schuylkill. 

Application: https://www.purinamills.com/campaigns-and-events/show-scholarship-application

One winner from five categories will be awarded a $2,000 educational scholarship. The five categories include 1. Show Cattle, 2. Show Swine, 3. Show Sheep or Goat, 4. Show Poultry, 5. Show Rabbit. Good luck, seniors, you’re on your path to greatness!

Culvers is awarding a total of $15,000 to three FFA chapters to help fund educational projects and initiatives.  An essay of up to 1,000 words could win your chapter up to $7,500.  Click the link below for more information and to apply.
Application: https://www.culvers.com/essaycontest

Application open: March 1, 2024
Applications due: May 15, 2024
https://www.ffa.org/grants-for-growing/

FFA chapter advisors can apply for funding to support one of three areas: Grow Your Classroom, Grow Your FFA Chapter, or Grow Your Ag Awareness. To access the Grants for Growing application, you must have an FFA.org username and password. 

How is your chapter Living to Serve? FFA offers Day of Service Mini-Grants for $400 to support chapters in planning community service events. The application is easy, and you can apply for funds to support a one-day service event that focuses on topics such as Community Safety; Hunger, Health and Nutrition; Environmental Responsibility; or Community Engagement. 

Find out more at https://www.ffa.org/LivingtoServe/grants

If you have questions, the Living to Serve team is here to help. You can email them at [email protected]. 

The Grow Rural Education program, sponsored by the Bayer Fund, allows eligible farmers to nominate their local public school district for grants to help enhance STEM education. Once nominated, school districts submit applications to compete for $10,000 or $25,000 grants to help fund projects that enhance their STEM curriculum.  

To get more information on the program, please visit https://www.americasfarmers.com/grow-rural-education/.
 

Current FFA members can start or expand a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project with a grant from National FFA. A limited number of grants of $1,000 each are available to current FFA members each year. 

To learn more and to apply, visit https://www.ffa.org/participate/grants-and-scholarships/sae-grants/

Application

FSA makes loans to individual young persons (ages 10-20) 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 maximum loan amount is $5000 and must be repaid over a period of 1-7 years. For additional information, click the application link above.  

Application: Cargill Scholarship Application

The Cargill Global Scholars Program is a distinctive, two-year leadership development program that provides financial support, in addition to leadership development training and one-on-one mentoring.  For more information, check out this link. 
https://www.cargillglobalscholars.com/participating-countries/us-faqs/

Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow Student Scholarship
Application:  https://www.dairyleadersoftomorrow.com/scholarships/student/
Due:  March 1

Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow Teacher Scholarship
Application: https://www.dairyleadersoftomorrow.com/scholarships/educator/
Due: June 1

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.  Students can be nominated to receive this award by their FFA advisor. 

Application: https://www.dekalbasgrowdeltapine.com/en-us/dekalb/performance/ag-accomplishment.html

Application www.vetericyn.com/scholarship

The Vetericyn® team is excited to announce the Future Leaders of Agriculture & Veterinary Sciences Scholarship Program! Two scholarships of $1,500 will be awarded to two graduating high school seniors to help in their pursuit of higher education in the field of agriculture, including animal health and food science. Conditions of Eligibility.

Application: https://www.ncga.com/key-issues/other-topics/scholarship-programs

The grower-members who make up the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) are committed to broadening educational opportunities and open doors to students who are passionate to serve rural America and keep their family farms thriving.  In 2021, they expanded their scholarship offerings for four distinct audiences:

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

To apply for the scholarship, students or a parent/guardian must be a member of the NCGA.  

Applications: https://www.tfec.org/show-all/?state=pennsylvania&cty=dauphin

High school seniors interested in receiving financial assistance to help pay for college can now apply for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Scholarship.

Each year the program awards a four-year scholarship to two students preparing for post-secondary education. It is open to graduating high school seniors who are Pennsylvania residents with plans to attend a Pennsylvania college, university, or career school as a full-time student.

The Pennsylvania Livestock Association offers several scholarships to youth.  The complete list of scholarships can be found on the PLA website.  Two of their awards are featured below.  

Youth Awards
Youth Awards are presented to outstanding 4-H and FFA youth and selected from a field of candidates submitted by county extension personnel and vocational agriculture teachers throughout the Commonwealth.  Winners receive a plaque and a monetary award.  Applications are due in August.

Outstanding Pennsylvania Livestock 4-H and FFA Members Recognized at KILE 
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 Ceremonies held in conjunction with the Keystone International Livestock Exposition.  Each scholarship will have a value of at least $1000.  Applications are due in April.  

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 fair that is a member of PSACF (PA State Association of County Fairs), and will be attending college (or other types of an 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 member fairs.

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

The Soy Scholarship is a $5,000 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.  High school seniors may apply online in the fall of each year. The final selection will be made in January. The student will be notified in late January, with an official announcement to follow.  Applicant must be a child or grandchild of a State / ASA Member.

Applicants must fill out an online application using the link above.

Application: https://www.southeastbeefclassic.com/2016-scholarship

The Southeast PA Beef Classic Scholarship program was designed to show our appreciation to our exhibitors by providing support to participant(s) of the jackpot show to assist in furthering their educational endeavors. The scholarship fund will be awarded to one individual in the amount of $500.00. 

To be eligible for the scholarship applicants must currently be enrolled in a post-secondary program and have shown at least three years prior to the year of the application. Please fill out the following application along with a 1,000-word essay explaining how you will utilize the skills and knowledge you gained through your cattle showing experience in the future.

Application

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 a 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.  Applications are due March 15 each year, and students can apply online starting January 1st, where they can also download and mail a paper application.

Application: http://targetingexcellence.org/scholarship_info/

Scholarships will be awarded to both undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an agricultural curriculum at an institution that offers degrees in agriculture. The applicant must be accepted or enrolled in a College of Agriculture which offers courses in food animal production.  Applicants must be enrolled in classes effective September 1. For more information and to apply, visit the scholarship website link above.

Turn Formula of Champions proof of purchase into club funds by collecting the proof of purchases and submitting them with a completed submission form for credit to your club's Formula of Champions Club Rewards account.  Each proof of purchase is worth $0.25.  For more information, check out the website.  

Grants of at least $5,000 will be awarded in support of teacher-led projects with the potential to provide students with opportunities to incorporate science in ways that increase their engagement with the subject matter and improve their learning. For more information or to apply for this grant, visit the Toshiba Grants website.  

• Student Leader Scholarships are 10-$3,000 scholarships for incoming college freshmen or enrolled college students pursuing careers in dairy or ag industry. It is a partnership between the Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation and PA Dairyman’s Association. Follow this link to accessvthe information webpage. The online application period is March 1 – May 1 every year.

Link for more information: 2023 GROWMARK Essay Contest