By Julie Tomascik
Publications Editor

Youth are the stars of agriculture’s future.

And they have opportunities—for growth, education and leadership—designed to fast track them to a bright new world.

But sometimes the best and brightest need a helping hand.

That’s why Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) invests in youth, devoting large amounts of money and time in developing leadership skills at a young age.

That investment comes through scholarships at the state and county levels.

“Annually, we award scholarships totaling nearly $80,000 at the state level and more than $100,000 in scholarships is given each year through county Farm Bureaus,” said Coleburn Davis, director of Organization Programs. “Those come in a variety of packages in an effort to meet different student needs.”

Engineering. Nutrition. Teaching. Farming and ranching. Communication. And so much more.

Each has a tie to agriculture and to a student wanting to learn more. And TFB scholarships make it possible.

“Our scholarships help our youth on their path to achieve their goals,” Davis said. “In that process, we’re helping Texas agriculture by developing educated, driven leaders who will take our industry forward.”

This year’s scholarships must be postmarked by Monday, March 21. Faxed and emailed applications will not be accepted.

S.M. True Jr. Agricultural Scholar Award—To acknowledge former TFB President S.M. True Jr., a $20,000 scholarship was established for college students with at least 60 hours of college credit and declared agriculture as their major. Applicants must submit a completed application and two letters of recommendation—one from the county Farm Bureau president and one from the dean or head of the agriculture program department of the applicant’s college or university.

Applications should be submitted to Si Cook.

Dick Mitchell Scholarship—This scholarship, started in 1991, is in memory of former field representative and Field Operations director Dick Mitchell. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a high school junior or senior who has attended the TFB Youth Leadership Conference. Interested students are asked to complete a one-page scholarship application and a typewritten two-page essay describing their educational and personal goals. All applications are due to Coleburn Davis.

Young Farmer & Rancher Scholarship—High school seniors who are interested in a future in agriculture are eligible for TFB’s Young Farmer & Rancher scholarship. Each of TFB’s 13 districts will award one $1,000 scholarship. To apply, interested students are asked to fill out a brief form and submit their official high school transcript, a letter of recommendation and a portrait.

A similar YF&R award for enrolled college students also is available.

All applications should be submitted to Coleburn Davis.

Memorial/Honorary and District Scholarship—In each of the 13 TFB districts, one $1,200 scholarship and three $1,000 scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. All applications should be submitted to Coleburn Davis.

Applications for the 2016 TFB scholarships are available here. For more information or if you have questions, contact Coleburn Davis at cdavis@txfb.org or 254.399.5037.