Each year, the National FFA Foundation helps offset college costs by offering a wide variety of FFA scholarships for college. The letters “FFA” stand for Future Farmers of America. The awards they offer range from $500 to full tuition for four years.
In 2020, 398 sponsors and donors partnered with the National FFA Organization. The Foundation was also able to award 1,325 students $2,028,288.
There are many FFA scholarship opportunities to find and choose from. The FFA offers more than 120 different awards to support students. If you are planning to go to college after high school, then you should consider applying. No matter what your higher education plans and career goals are.
10 FFA Scholarships You Can Apply for Now
Here are 10 awards from the FFA that you should apply if you qualify for them.
B.R.I.D.G.E. Endowment Fund Scholarship
John Deere Dealer Scholarship
AGCO Agriculture Company Scholarship
AGCO Finance Scholarship
Ford Trucks / Built Ford Tough – FFA Scholarship
Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM Scholarship)
Arthur and Nell Lewis Memorial Scholarship
Alpha Gamma Rho Undergraduate Achievement Award
AGCO Intivity Center Scholarship
Brandt Consolidated, Inc. Scholarship
Why Should You Apply for FFA Scholarships?
It’s financial aid but not a loan. A grant or scholarship may come with terms. But it is not a loan so you don’t repay the funds.
There are scholarship programs for many majors. Recipients use the funds to study diverse areas. The five main areas that relate to agriculture include: agribusiness systems, animal systems power structural. As well as power, structural and technical systems, plant systems, and biotechnology systems.
Use the money to help you earn a college degree. As a recipient, you may use the financial aid towards a two year or four year degree program or technical training (certificate).
It’s easy to apply. Applying for an FFA scholarship is easy. You only have to fill out one form and the process automatically considers you for scholarships. Plus, last year the FFA moved to an online platform that’s user friendly and password protected.
There is more than $2.7 million in scholarship funds available. In 2018, the FFA Scholarship Program awarded $2,585,396 in scholarship money to 1,842 students. The award funds come from many sources. Corporate, nonprofit and individual donations and endowments. AGCO, Ford, John Deere and RAM Trucks are just a few of the many donors to the FFA Scholarship Program.
Each year there are more scholarships available. There were only 16 scholarships in 1984 compared to 1,842 awarded in 2018.
Applicants come from all over the United States. More than 8,800 high school seniors and college students from 44 states applied for scholarships from the FFA in 2018.
Broad selection process. As a rule, the committee looks at an applicant from all sides. They may consider you for FFA scholarships based on the following criteria: At least a 2.5 GPA (average GPA is 3.82), FFA involvement, work experience, and Supervised Agricultural (SAE)
What is the FFA?
The National FFA is a youth organization. They unite to provide personal growth, career success training and leadership in agricultural education. Members also aim to live by the motto of Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live and Living to Serve.
The history of the FFA dates back to 1917 and the Smith Hughes Act. It was a first step in bringing a spotlight to the value of rural America, farm families and Agricultural Education.
Then in 1925 Virginia Tech a few teacher educators organized the Future Farmers of Virginia for boys in agriculture classes. The FFV served as the model for the Future Farmers of America.
Today, there are 760,113 FFA members. They span 8,739 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
One of the key functions of the National FFA Foundation is to also build partnership with industry, education, government, and others. The financial resources they secure help fund scholarships and grants.
FFA Programs and Events
Apart from fundraising, the FFA holds events, competitions and conferences. Here are a few examples of what members do and access.
SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experiences)
The Supervised Agricultural experience (SAE) involves practical agricultural activities for students outside of the classroom and laboratory. It’s a great way to apply classroom principles in the real world. Some SAE projects may include working with animals such as veterinary clinics, to raising animals and working with livestock.
Agriscience Fair
Students use science and upcoming new tech to solve complex problems related to agriculture, food, and natural resources. The Agriscience fair is for middle and high school students. Participation begins at the local level first and then moves on to state and national levels.
Living to Serve
The Living to Serve motto is also a platform that empowers students to make an impact on their community. Right now there is a Living to Serve Chapter Challenge. FFA members are trying to complete 930,000 volunteer hours by next year’s 93rd Nat’l FFA Convention and Expo.
How Do You Join FFA?
Eligible members must be in grades 7 through 12 and college. There are two ways to join. One, you may enroll in an agriculture course at school. You might contact your school counselor or agriculture teacher to enroll in an agricultural Education program and join FFA. If you don’t have a FFA chapter, you also may be able to join one in a neighboring school district.
Membership dues for the National FFA organization are $7 per year. Of this total cost, $2 goes to publishing and distributing the national magazine, FFA New Horizons. As a member, the subscription is inside your membership fee.
Your state or local FFA associations may charge extra dues for membership. These charges would be above the $7 national dues. So, your actual cost of membership may be more than $7.
There are also three chapter levels of the FFA. At each level, there may be unique events and programs.
Local FFA Chapters (E.g. in public schools with an Ag Ed program)
State FFA Associations (they charter the local chapters)
National FFA Organization (sets the founding principles and bylaws)
FFA Membership Benefits
FFA knows the field of agriculture spans into science, business and technology. If you need additional guidance, skills and training, the organization could also help you find your career path.
Career and Leadership Development Events
FFA offers many competitive events at the local, state and national levels. These events may also help develop college and career readiness skills. FFA members may participate in public speaking, livestock evaluation, debates, and more. These events overall help students apply their classroom knowledge to real world issues.
Scholarships and Grants
In 2015, the National FFA Organization awarded $2.7 million in scholarships and each year they add on.
Earning Potential
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you may be in great company. Many members of the FFA start their own businesses or work for an agricultural company in high school. By the time they graduate college, some members have already begun earning money.
National Leadership Conferences
Many FFA members also grow personal and leadership skills. There are seven different leadership conferences. One example is the State Officer Leadership Continuum. Once you are elected, state officers embark on a journey through the following training:
Base Camp: A three day experience for all state FFA officers. There are a few focus areas which include sound character, positive influence, and professionalism. Not to mention smart ways to manage time.
Checkpoint: Up to two extra in state trainings. Focus areas include successful workshops, public speaking, conversation skills, and team dynamics.
State Officer Summit: A three day advocacy training open to all 375 state FFA officers. The focus is on developing a clear and consistent message about agriculture and the FFA.
What National FFA Scholarship Program Can You Apply to?
National FFA Scholarships are for FFA members in good standing. However, FFA scholarships are not renewable. You must meet the following general requirements:
2.5 GPA or higher
Full time college student
Two or four year degree program
High school seniors or current college students
The FFA scholarship application is an online form. You must submit both the form and any documents asked for by the due date. As a rule, the support materials include personal statement, essay, transcripts, and signature page.
Every year, Bayer’s Fund Grow Agricultural Leaders awards more than $500,000 in scholarships to students studying in Agriculture related fields. This $1,500 non renewable award aims to support rural youth pursuing agricultural career. As well as FFA members studying for other majors.
AGCO Dealer Scholarship Program
AGCO is global company. They make and sell farming products. Each year they partner with FFA to $1,000 awards which does not renew. Apart from the usual criteria, you must be from an eligible FFA chapter to qualify.
Chevy Trucks Scholarship Program
Chevrolet offers this $1,000 award as they are a long time partner of the FFA. To qualify, you applicant may pursue a bachelor’s degree or specialized training certification in any major. But, preference goes to a few students in a major related to service and technical skills such as welding or diesel mechanics.
Ford Truck/Built Ford Tough – FFA Scholarship
Ford and some of its truck dealers team up with FFA. To date, they’ve given out about $12.2 million in scholarships to FFA members. For this program, there are up to 500 awards of $1,000 each. To apply, you must ask to fill out the Ford Dealership Endorsement Supplement form. Since not all dealers take part, Ford sets aside an extra 5 scholarships. You still need a Ford Dealership Endorsement. But you may ask for it from a local dealer even if they are not part of the program.
John Deere Dealer Scholarship
Deere & Company supplies products and services to the Agriculture industry. They offer up to 200 scholarships of $2,000 each on behalf of some of their dealers. To qualify, you must also attend an FFA chapter on an approved list and have a 2.8 GPA or higher.
Washington Leadership Conference Scholarships
To help students grow leadership skills, the FFA makes use of 3 part conference series. It’s called The Chapter Leadership Continuum. The final conference in this series is the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC). Due to the pandemic, the WLC did not take place this year.
FFA Alumni Scholarships
There are many scholarship opportunities and grants for FFA Alumni. These may expand the reach of your chapter or to start a new FFA chapter.
American FFA Degree Recipient Scholarship
If an American FFA Degree recipient and National FFA Alumni and Supporters members you may qualify. This is a drawing for a $1,000 college scholarship at the National FFA Convention & Expo.
National FFA Alumni and Supporters Leadership Scholarships
Each year the National FFA Alumni and supporters makes these awards available. The awards are for state alumni and supporters associations. As well as local alumni and supporters chapters with more than 100 life members.
Future Agriculture Teachers Scholarships
These $1,000 awards are from the National FFA Collegiate Scholarship Program. They are open to students going for degrees in agriculture education. The recipient must be either an active National FFA Alumni and Supporters member. Or, from an FFA chapter with an active National FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter.
Give Back to Your Roots Grants
These grants pay up to $5,000. You may use the money to fund the following:
FFA student chapter affiliation fees
Plant science based educational opportunities
Purchase necessary supplies and materials for local agricultural education programs
These scholarships are for students who are residents of Georgia, Illinois, Kansas or Minnesota. And, who are a high school senior or college student pursuing a two or four-year degree in any major. Applicants have participated in community service, demonstrate financial need and reside near Jackson, Minnesota.
Annually, the Kansas FFA Foundation awards more than $10,000 in scholarships to Kansas FFA members through state programs. The scholarships are sponsored by numerous agricultural businesses through the National FFA & Kansas FFA Foundations, and new scholarships are added every year. Learn more and apply today!
Annually, the Kansas FFA Foundation awards more than $10,000 in scholarships to Kansas FFA members through state programs. The scholarships are sponsored by numerous agricultural businesses through the National FFA & Kansas FFA Foundations, and new scholarships are added every year. Learn more and apply today!
The College of Agriculture awards over $2.5 million in scholarships each year to the undergraduate students in the college, made possible by the generous support of our Alumni and Friends. The College of Agriculture recognizes scholastic capability, qualities of leadership, citizenship and character as well as FFA and 4-H participation.
The J. Carl Mattson Scholarship Fund is available for graduating high school seniors at Mackay High School in Mackay, Idaho. Applicants must be active in the local Future Farmers of America and the vocational agriculture program at the school.
Grow Ag Leaders exists to make youth aware of the various career opportunities within the industry of agriculture by providing scholarships that help further their education. The Bayer Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer, offers $1,500 scholarships to students pursuing a career in various sects of agriculture. Open to majors including business, education, computer science and more! See the list of eligible fields of study here https://ffa.app.box.com/s/rr0y3pzvqs39oypylb8sun3f3kr96z2x
BNSF Railway is focused on making a difference in the communities where our employees live, work and volunteer. This Foundation is giving one scholarship to award to members from the following states: California, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required.
