As November wraps up, the deadline for Excellence in Ag scholarship applicants will come to a close Thursday, Dec. 1. Students in agriculture based studies are encouraged to apply for a scholarship. It isn’t just any scholarship, but one that could give one exemplary student $4,200 to help with the cost of college.
Soon-to-be high school graduates have the opportunity to get $4,200 in scholarships by filling out an application. The application is found online at agfuture.org/scholarships under the AFA Community Leader and Academic Scholarship link.
Requirements for the scholarship include: must be pursuing a degree in an agricultural field - the Occupational Guide for Agriculture lists nearly 200 agricultural careers; student must remain in good standing, as defined by their governing institution, during first semester to receive second semester funds; applications and essay must be completed by the student applying for the scholarship.
Criteria include an essay on the applicant’s personal vision for agriculture and why they are interested in an ag career, an interview where the applicant reinforces the vision shared in the essay, community service exhibiting a commitment to community, student group activities showing effectiveness in roles as a leader or team member, general factors including work experience, student potential, family needs and consideration of scholarships and grants, and scholarship with student rank and GPA. Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
The top five finalists will be asked to provide reference letters from two people outside of family stating why the applicant deserves a scholarship. Reference letters must be 500 words or fewer.
Before applying, students must either be a resident of Texas County, attend high school in Texas County, or the student’s parents must own or operate an ag business (farm or ranch) in Texas County.
Sponsor businesses and individuals are encouraged to contact the Guymon Chamber of Commerce to discuss sponsorships for the Excellence in Ag scholarship program. Deadline for applications is Dec. 1, 2016, with the Excellence in Ag event taking place on Jan, 26, 2017. Scholarships will be awarded at the banquet.
For more information, contact the Guymon Chamber of Commerce at (580)338-3376 or email jada@guymonokchamber.com.