By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Four college students majoring in agricultural education were awarded the 2023 Spring Mia Balko Student Teaching Scholarship from Texas Farm Bureau (TFB).

The scholarship recipients include:

  • Candace Landrum, a senior at Tarleton State University;
  • Harley Chreene, a senior at Sam Houston State University;
  • Shelbie Hutchinson, a senior at Sam Houston State University; and
  • Stephanie Bushnell, a senior at West Texas A&M University.

TFB created the scholarship in 2018 to help students like Bushnell, Landrum, Hutchinson and Chreene cover financial expenses during the semester.

In 2021, the scholarship was renamed the Mia Balko Student Teaching Scholarship after the late Mia Balko, who was the associate director of Youth Outreach which oversees the scholarship program for TFB. Prior to joining TFB, Balko was an agricultural science teacher for many years.

“I have been fortunate to connect with the four young ladies who have been awarded the 2023 Mia Balko Student Teaching Scholarship,” McKenna Bush, TFB Youth Outreach coordinator, said. “I believe each of them will honor Mia Balko’s legacy and spirit as they begin their career in agricultural education.”

The scholarship will aid the students in the spring semester during their off-campus student teaching experience.

“Future agricultural science teachers gain an important learning experience through student teaching,” Bush said. “These student teachers will gain a hands-on experience in developing student’s understanding and appreciation for agriculture.”

Many students must travel or move for their semester as student teachers. The scholarship helps support students financially.

“Texas Farm Bureau strives to help lessen the financial burdens of the students’ who are preparing for their future in agricultural education,” Bush said. “As much of their time is devoted to their students and schoolwork, these student teachers often do not have time for a job. This scholarship helps support students completing their student teaching requirement.”

The 2023 Fall Mia Balko Student Teaching Scholarship, valued at $1,500, will be awarded to seniors majoring in agricultural education and student teaching off-campus. Applications will open in January 2023 and must be submitted online by March 1.

More information on scholarship eligibility can be found at texasfarmbureau.org/scholarships.