Reynoldsburg, Ohio — July 1 is the deadline to apply for nine scholarship and educational awards administered by the American Jersey Cattle Association, Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
The scholarships to be awarded for 2016-17 are for Jersey youth pursuing a college or university degree or, in some cases, gaining hands-on experience in the development and management of Registered Jersey™ cattle.
“Thanks to the foresight of key leaders and the generosity of many,” said Neal Smith, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, “this year the AJCA will provide more financial support for education than ever in history, exceeding $26,000.”
The Russell–Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies in the amount of $5,000 will be awarded. Undergraduate students who have completed at least one-half of coursework credit hours required for a degree in dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis), large animal veterinary practice, dairy production or manufacturing, or dairy product marketing, and graduate students in those program areas are eligible to apply.
Three scholarships of $2,000 each will be presented. Students who will begin a program of study at an accredited college or university in the fall of 2016 may apply for the William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship. Students who have completed at least one year of study toward their degree are eligible for the V. L. Peterson Scholarship. Also, the Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to an eligible nominee for the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.
A Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship of $1,750 will be awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student seeking a degree in large animal veterinary practice, dairy production, dairy manufacturing, or dairy product marketing.
Three scholarships of $1,500 each will be presented, including the new AJCA Directors’ Scholarship. The Paul Jackson Memorial Scholarship is for continuing college students in any degree program area. The Bob Toole Jersey Youth Award can be used for educational expenses or a well-defined practical experience related to breeding, developing and showing Registered Jerseys.
Finally, the Reuben R. Cowles Jersey Youth Award will be presented to a resident of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Applicants must be at least high school graduates, but not older than 36 years of age as of January 1, 2016. The value of this award varies from year to year, and is to be used for educational expenses or to travel to the All American Jersey Show and Sale, the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings or other Jersey educational activities.
“Educational opportunities after high school are a stepping stone for young Jersey owners who aspire to be successful business owners and influencers in the dairy industry,” Smith continued. “We are pleased to provide financial support for those ambitions, and expect to do even more when the campaign for the Morris Ewing Genetic Performance Scholarship achieves its fundraising goal.”
Eligible applicants are Junior or Lifetime members of the association with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale). Copies of the applicant’s high school and college transcripts must be submitted, along with two letters of recommendation. For application forms and instructions, visit the “Scholarships and Internships” page on the association’s website, USJersey.com.
Recipients will be recognized on Saturday, November 5 at the annual Junior Banquet held during The All American Jersey Shows and Sales in Louisville, Ky.
The American Jersey Cattle Association has made strategic investments in Jersey youth since 1958 when it created the National Heifer Sale to provide annual funding for educational programs and awards. Scholarships are paid from permanent endowments administered by the American Jersey Cattle Association. Contributions are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as 501(c)(3) tax deductible charitable gifts and may be made at any time during the year.
For more information, contact the American Jersey Cattle Association by writing 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068-2362, or visit its web site at USJersey.com.
