By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Agricultural education students who are preparing to student teach in spring 2024 can apply for scholarships from Texas Farm Bureau (TFB).

Every spring and fall, senior agricultural education seniors are encouraged to apply for the Mia Balko Student Teaching Scholarships from TFB.

The scholarship, valued at $1,500, is awarded to four students each semester.

“There is an ever-increasing shortage of agricultural science teachers. To meet industry needs, we must have educators step up and inspire the next generation of agriculturalists,” McKenna Bush, TFB Youth Outreach coordinator, said. “Farm Bureau’s investment in rising educators is an investment in the future of agriculture. They empower students to be their best in life, in leadership and in future careers.”

Student teaching can bring financial challenges, but the TFB scholarship helps students cover expenses during that semester.

“The Mia Balko Student Teaching Scholarship provides financial assistance to seniors completing their semester of student teaching. That semester is essential to help prepare them to enter the classroom as an agricultural science teacher,” Bush said. “Students are not paid in their role as a student teacher, nor are they able to hold a part-time or full-time position while student teaching. So, expenses can quickly add up.”

With the scholarship, TFB helps students prepare to fill the roles not only of agricultural science teachers but also community leaders.

The application is available online through the MyTFB membership portal at my.texasfarmbureau.org.

College seniors who are student teaching in spring 2024 are encouraged to apply.

Applications must be submitted before midnight Nov. 1.

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

Applicants must be part of a TFB member-family to qualify, and that membership must be maintained for the duration of the scholarship.

The student teaching scholarship winners will be announced in mid-December.

More information is available at texasfarmbureau.org/scholarships.