An employment outlook by Purdue and the United States Department of Agriculture estimated jobs related to food, agriculture, renewable natural resources and the environment would increase by 2.6% between 2020 and 2025 to nearly 60,000 jobs annually. Farm Credit Mid-America’s scholarship programs encourage the next generation of agricultural leaders to pursue degrees in these fields.
“We are excited to see the many career opportunities in agriculture and related fields. We want to encourage young people to pursue these careers and nurture them in their journey because we recognize they are the future of our industry,” said Randy Barbee, Farm Credit Mid-America community investment manager. “By awarding financial support to tomorrow’s agricultural leaders, we are fulfilling our mission to secure the future of rural communities and agriculture.”
The Farm Credit Mid-America Scholars program is available to rising college sophomores and juniors pursuing careers in agriculture. The program awards $5,000 in financial support over two academic years to 25 students each year. Recipients also participate in learning and travel experiences that develop leadership skills and enhance financial literacy.
The Customer Agricultural Scholarship is awarded to children or grandchildren of Farm Credit Mid-America customers. Each year, 36 students majoring in agriculture or pursuing an agricultural or rural community-related career at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, vocational or trade school receive a $1,500 scholarship.
Farm Credit Mid-America’s collegiate scholarship programs are a part of its community investment initiatives, which will return nearly $4 million this year to programs and organizations that nurture the next generation of agriculture leaders, expand industry access for young and beginning farmers and promote agriculture’s value and economic impact.
College-bound students who meet the eligibility requirements for a Farm Credit Mid-America scholarship are encouraged to apply before the December 31, 2023, deadline. Recipients will be announced in the spring of 2024. To learn more about the scholarships or to submit an application, visit www.fcma.com/scholarships.
