By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Agricultural education students preparing to student teach in spring 2027 can now apply for scholarships from Texas Farm Bureau (TFB).

Each spring and fall, TFB awards four Mia Balko Student Teaching Scholarships to senior agricultural education students completing an off-campus student teaching assignment.

Each scholarship is valued at $6,000 and is designed to help offset expenses incurred during the semester-long teaching experience.

“Preparing the next generation of educators to take on the role of an agricultural science teacher and engaging young students about agriculture is important to Texas Farm Bureau,” Dr. Clarissa Darby, TFB Youth Outreach coordinator, said. “This scholarship helps provide support to college students who are pursuing this profession as their career.”

Agricultural science teachers play a vital role in educating future generations about agriculture while also serving as mentors and leaders in their communities.

“Agricultural science teachers are critical to developing students’ understanding of and appreciation for agriculture,” Darby said. “By supporting the next generation of agricultural science teachers, TFB is also supporting the future of agriculture.”

Student teaching often requires pre-service teachers to relocate or commute long distances, and many are unable to maintain outside employment during the semester.

The Mia Balko Student Teaching Scholarship helps ease those financial challenges, allowing students to focus on gaining valuable classroom experience.

Applications will be accepted Aug. 28 through Oct. 30.

Applicants must be student teaching during the spring 2027 semester and be part of a TFB member-family. Membership must be maintained throughout the scholarship period.

The application includes a written essay, several short-answer questions and a recommendation form from a college or university supervisor.

Scholarship recipients are expected to be announced in December.

Visit texasfarmbureau.org/scholarships for scholarship details, instructions and a link to the applications.