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Nebraska FFA Foundation Scholarship Deadline January 31, 2024

By Bowles, Tara on January 18, 2024

Next Generation of Black and Hispanic Farmers Scholarship Application

Welcome to the Next Generation of Black and Hispanic Farmers Scholarship Program. The Nebraska FFA Foundation administers this scholarship program. This scholarship program is funded by The Howard G. Buffett Foundation.

Growing the next generation of farmers will bring innovation and new perspectives to the agricultural industry. This scholarship provides an educational pathway for underrepresented students in agriculture, specifically for Black and Hispanic students, who plan to return and be engaged in the family farm operation.

Eligibility Requirements

Black or Hispanic high school seniors who have involvement in a family farm operation verifiable by the USDA Farm Service Agency of at least 250 acres and a maximum of 5000 acres.
Have a minimum high school grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent)
Meet academic and admission criteria for post-secondary education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln: https://admissions.unl.edu/apply/admission-requirements/first-year/
Commit to farming on the family farm upon graduation.

Selection Criteria

A completed scholarship application
USDA Farm ID Numbers
Number of acres farmed by family (250-5000 acres), disclosure of family farmed acres owned vs. rent (number of acres of each).
The family member(s) involved in the operation of the farm (identified as parents, grandparents, aunt/uncle, or a combination of)
Description of scope of diversification of farming operation (percentage-based diversification of all crop types grown and number of head of livestock raised. Tobacco crop production is not allowed as any percentage of crop production.)
- Diversified Crops Production – two or more of the following: grain production, fiber & oil crop production, forage production, specialty crop production, vegetable production, or fruit production.
- Diversified Horticulture – two or more of the following: turf grass production, nursery operations, floriculture production.
- Diversified Livestock Production – two or more of the following: beef, dairy, sheep, swine, equine, goat, poultry, and bison.
Essay summarizing
- Why they want to return to the family farm after college
- Why they have chosen their planned career pathway
- Description of leadership and involvement in agriculture activities
- Why they should be selected for the scholarship
- 300 word minimum
Resume
Two letters of recommendation from non-family members
- One from a community leader or teacher.
- One from a farmer.
List of financial aid applied for or received

Scholarship Award Includes

Tuition provided for up to 30 credit hours per academic year to UNL for a total of 120 credit hours (4-year maximum)
Campus-based housing (traditional hall, double occupancy)
All-access meal plan
Mandatory fees per academic year
Up to $1,000 in textbook funds per academic year
Laptop and software

Scholarship Requirements

To be eligible to receive the Next Generation of Black and Hispanic Farmers scholarship, recipients must be the following:

Be a full-time student by the 6th day of classes each semester at UNL
Enrolled in an approved degree program in CASNR (Degree programs include Agronomy, Animal Science, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Systems Technology, Applied Science, Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication, Environmental Science, Grassland Systems, Integrated Science, Plant and Landscape Systems)
Remain in good standing academically (a cumulative GPA no lower than 2.5) during the four-year course of study
Remain in good standing administratively
Participate annually in the CASNR Emerging Leaders in Diversity program

All applicants will be notified by February of 2024.

We recognize and respect your desire for privacy. The applicant's information will go directly to the Nebraska FFA Foundation and the selection committee.