Applications for the User Award and Farm Credit Mid-America Scholars programs are now open.
Farm Credit Mid-America users, including their children or grandchildren, as well as students interested in pursuing a career in agribusiness, are invited to apply.
Scholarship recipients are selected based on their academic performance, leadership skills, community engagement, and their commitment to advancing and contributing to the future of agriculture.
According to a job outlook report from Purdue University and the US Department of Agriculture, the number of jobs in the food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, and environmental sectors is projected to increase by 2.6% between 2020 and 2025, resulting in nearly 60,000 job openings annually. Farm Credit Mid-America’s scholarship programs aim to encourage future leaders in agriculture to pursue degrees in these fields.
Randy Barbee, the Community Investment Manager for Farm Credit Mid-America, expressed enthusiasm about the numerous job opportunities in agriculture and related fields. He stated, “We are dedicated to supporting young individuals in their pursuits and motivating them to consider careers in these fields. By providing financial assistance to today’s agricultural leaders, we are fulfilling our mission to secure the future of rural areas and agriculture.”
The Farm Credit Mid-America Scholars program is open to rising college sophomores and freshmen who are pursuing careers in agriculture. Each year, 25 students are awarded $5,000 in financial aid over two academic years. Additionally, participants engage in activities such as financial literacy training and travel experiences, which help enhance their financial knowledge and leadership skills.
Farm Credit Mid-America customers who are children or grandchildren are eligible for the Client Agricultural Scholarship. This scholarship awards $1,500 to 36 students each year who are majoring in agriculture or pursuing careers related to rural or community development at accredited two- or four-year colleges, universities, technical colleges, or trade schools.
The collegiate scholarship programs at Farm Credit Mid-America are a vital part of their community investment initiatives, which are expected to contribute nearly $4 million this year to programs and organizations that support the development of the next generation of agricultural leaders, expand access to the industry for new and aspiring farmers, and emphasize the economic importance of agriculture.
College-bound individuals who meet the eligibility criteria for a Farm Credit Mid-America scholarship are encouraged to submit their applications by the deadline of December 31, 2023.
The scholarship recipients will be announced in the spring of 2024.
For more information about the scholarships and to submit an application, please visit: www.fcma.com/scholarships.