For students interested in agriculture, FFA Scholarships offers an excellent opportunity to gain leadership skills, connect with other young agriculturists, and access scholarship funding for college. Nearly $2.5 million in FFA scholarships are available each year to help students pursue careers in agriculture and other skilled trades.
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The FFA Scholarships application for the 2023-2024 school year opens on November 1, 2023 and closes on January 11, 2024. Students only need to complete one application to be considered for multiple scholarship opportunities. With some preparation and planning, FFA members can submit competitive applications and earn funding to cover their educational expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for FFA scholarships, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Current high school FFA member in good standing
- Studying agriculture or an agricultural-related field of study
- Minimum 1000 SAT score or 19 ACT score
- Endorsement from FFA advisor
Applicants must be current FFA members to qualify. Students do not need to major in agricultural science or education in college to be eligible, but they do need to study an agriculture-related field such as agricultural business, agricultural engineering, horticulture, livestock management, or other skilled trades.
FFA also requires a minimum SAT score of 1000 or ACT score of 19 to apply for scholarships. Meeting these test score requirements demonstrates college readiness.
Creating an FFA.org Account
Students will need to create an online account at FFA.org to access the scholarship application. This can be done using either their FFA Membership ID number or AgCN Invite Code.
The Membership ID is the unique number assigned when a student joins FFA. This nine-digit number can be found on the membership card.
If a student does not know their Membership ID, they can use the AgCN Invite Code provided by their FFA advisor instead. The AgCN code allows students to create an account and link it to their member profile.
Once logged in with an FFA.org account, students will be able to submit their scholarship application, check status updates, and manage their profile.
Completing the FFA Scholarship Application
The scholarship application for 2023-2024 opens on November 1st and must be submitted by January 11th. Students only need to complete one application to be considered for multiple FFA scholarship opportunities.
The application consists of:
- Personal and academic information
- Short answer responses and essays
- Description of FFA experience
- Steps taken toward career readiness
- High school transcripts
- SAT/ACT scores
- Letters of recommendation
Applicants will need to provide details on their academic record, extracurricular activities, FFA involvement, and future career goals. The short answer questions allow students to highlight their interests, achievements, and how they plan to use an FFA scholarship.
Two letters of recommendation are required. One should come from the applicant’s FFA advisor to confirm their active participation.
After submitting the application, students must request an official high school transcript that includes their SAT/ACT test scores. The transcript should be mailed directly from the school to the scholarship committee.
Gaining FFA Advisor Approval
A key requirement is getting endorsement from the Chapter FFA advisor. The advisor must review and approve the application before it gets sent to the state selection committee.
Once a student submits their FFA scholarship application, an automatic email notification goes to their advisor asking them to log in and approve the application. Advisors must complete this step by the January 11th deadline.
Gaining advisor approval demonstrates that an applicant is an active, participating FFA member in good standing. It also shows their interest is supported by local chapter leadership.
State Selection Interviews
After the January deadline, state FFA scholarship committees will review applications and select finalists for interviews. Interview notifications go out in May.
The interviews for Texas FFA scholarship applicants will take place on June 5th at Tarleton State University in Stephenville. This will be an in-person interview in front of a panel.
Students should prepare to discuss their FFA experience, skills, career ambitions, and how they will use the scholarship funding. Professional dress is required.
Scholarship winners will be announced in June and July. Funds will be distributed to recipients upon successful completion of their first college semester.
Tips for Submitting a Strong Application
Here are some tips to help FFA members submit the most competitive scholarship application possible:
- Start early – Give yourself plenty of time to request letters of recommendation, obtain transcripts, and complete quality essay responses.
- Follow instructions – Carefully read and follow all directions to avoid disqualification based on something minor.
- Check spelling and grammar – Have someone proofread to catch any errors that could negatively impact your application.
- Be detailed – Provide concrete examples of your achievements, skills, and involvement when answering short response questions.
- Customize essays – Tailor your essay responses to each scholarship’s specific priorities and selection criteria.
- Highlight leadership – Share specific examples of how you have demonstrated leadership in FFA and your community.
With preparation and attention to detail, FFA members can submit standout applications and earn scholarships to help fund their future college education.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money is available in FFA scholarships?
Nearly $2.5 million in FFA scholarships are awarded annually. Tractor Supply also commits $1 million each year specifically for FFA Futures Leaders Scholarships.
What majors are eligible for FFA scholarships?
Applicants must plan to study an agriculture or agriculture-related field, including agricultural education, business, science, engineering, and skilled trades such as welding or mechanics.
When does the application open and close?
The 2023-2024 FFA scholarship application opens November 1, 2023 and closes January 11, 2024. This is the only application window.
What test scores do I need to apply?
To be eligible, applicants must have a minimum SAT score of 1000 or ACT score of 19. Official test scores must be submitted.
How do I get advisor approval?
Once you submit your application, your advisor will automatically receive an email asking them to log in and endorse your application. Follow up with your advisor to ensure they complete approval.
When are scholarship winners notified?
Finalists are notified in May if they have been selected for a state interview. Scholarship recipients will be announced in June and July.
Conclusion
FFA offers an incredible opportunity for students pursuing careers in agricultural industries to gain leadership experience, connect with peers, and earn financial support for their future education. By meeting eligibility requirements, submitting a thoughtful application, and participating in state interviews, FFA members can access over $2 million in available scholarship funds.
With the application opening on November 1st, now is the time for interested students to start preparing competitive applications for the 2023-2024 school year. By following the steps outlined here, FFA members can position themselves to earn scholarships that will help cover their college costs and invest in their future careers in agriculture.
Patricia Gutierrez