COLUMBUS, Ohio — Now is the time for high school seniors and current college students to dust off their resumes and sharpen their pencils, to apply for scholarship money to help defray the ever-increasing costs of a college education.<br>
Farm Credit Services (FCS) of Mid-America is making $36,000 in scholarships available in 2008 to children of members, who are studying agriculture or business at four-year universities.  Eighteen scholarships, $2,000 each, will be awarded based on academic record, leadership qualities and community involvement.<br>
“We can think of no better way to invest in our future than through providing scholarships to deserving students choosing to pursue careers in agriculture, financing or ag business,” said Bob Barton, chair of the Farm Credit board. “As agriculture continues to grow and evolve, we want students to be at the forefront of the industry, and grow with it.”<br>
Through an initiative endorsed by the board last year, the scholarships are part of the cooperative’s new stewardship program, which involves returning greater value to rural America by increasing the association’s investment in education and youth activities.<br>
The scholarships are available to members, their dependents and spouses of the cooperative. The scholarship deadline is Feb. 29. Scholarships will be awarded in May for the 2008-09 school year.  People may apply at www.e-farmcredit.com  or call 800-444-3276 to request an application from a local office.<br>
In addition, the Ohio Farm Bureau (OFBF) Foundation is also offering students pursing a career with an agricultural connection the opportunity to apply for two scholarships: the Women’s Leadership in Agriculture Scholarship Program (WLASP) and the Darwin R. Bryan scholarship.<br>
“Agriculture is more than just the farm,” Foundation President Jack Fisher said. “Students are enrolling in a variety of technical schools, colleges and universities. Many are discovering that agriculture as an industry, business sector and even a way of life provides great career opportunities in science, education, business and social service.”<br>
Entering its third year, WLASP is designed to help women pursue career opportunities where agriculture plays a key role. The program was established by an endowment from the Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Fund, Fifth Third Bank Trustee.<br>
Past WLASP recipients are currently involved in scientific research, veterinary medicine, communications, education and community service work. While some come from farm and rural backgrounds, close to half are from suburban and urban communities. Each past recipient has career plans where agriculture plays a key role helping her pursue career goals and, ultimately, benefiting her and her community.<br>
The Darwin Bryan Scholarship Fund was established in 1985 in honor of Darwin R. Bryan, whose enthusiastic leadership during his 37 years of service to the OFBF has been an inspiration to rural youth throughout Ohio. The scholarship fund assists students who have been active in the Farm Bureau youth program and/or whose parents are members.<br>
“Over the past several years, we have seen students involved in Farm Bureau programs carry their experiences to the next level,” Foundation Director Dale Arnold said. “Some have obtained degrees for accredited agricultural courses of study, and some have pursued careers outside the industry. Alumni from the program now pursue careers in government service, as teachers, lawyers and in other professions.”<br>
The Bryan scholarship recognizes student participation in local activities. It supports young people using their experiences to serve other members of their community at local, state and national levels. The program promotes Farm Bureau’s leadership development process.<br>
Additional information, eligibility requirements and application forms for both OFBF programs are available at www.ofbfoundation.org and the application deadline for each is March 3.<br>
FCS of Mid-America serves more than 81,000 farmers, agribusinesses and rural residents in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee. The association provides loans for all farm and rural living purposes including real estate, operating, equipment and housing and related services such as crop and life insurance and vehicle, equipment and building leases. For more information, call 800-444-3276 or visit www.e-farmcredit.com