Aiken County Farm Bureau Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Aiken County Farm Bureau

Introduction
The Aiken County Farm Bureau funds scholarships to help students from farm families or farm-oriented backgrounds in Aiken County pursue postsecondary study in agriculture or closely related fields. An additional goal of the program is to encourage recipients to develop the knowledge and leadership skills needed for roles in agriculture, civic life, and public service.

Award and Eligibility
- Two scholarships of $2,000 each are awarded annually. Each award is paid as $1,000 for the first semester and $1,000 for the second semester, with payments made payable to both the student and the educational institution.
- Awards are available to students who will be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of college and who are working toward an undergraduate degree in agriculture or an agriculture-related major at a two- or four-year accredited college.
- Applicants must have and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. After the first semester, recipients must provide verification of continued enrollment and an official grade report demonstrating a GPA of at least 2.5 in order to receive the second-semester payment.

Selection Criteria
Recipients are chosen by the Aiken County Farm Bureau Scholarship Committee following guidelines approved by the County Board of Directors. Selection is based on character, demonstrated leadership, and a commitment to agriculture or related fields. Applications must include a recent photo and one or more letters of recommendation; incomplete applications will not be considered.

Judging Weighting
- Scholastic achievement: 35 points
- Agricultural activities, offices held, and community involvement: 25 points
- Applicant’s statement and focus on a career in agriculture or a related field: 30 points
- Letter(s) of recommendation, including character references: 10 points

Membership Requirement
Applicants must hold Aiken County Farm Bureau membership (options: $40 Family or $25 Individual Youth). To join, visit scfb.org or contact Bethany Jones at 803-648-5421 or bethanyjones@scfbins.com.

Application Procedure and Deadlines
- Deadline: Applications must be submitted no later than June 1 prior to the start of the first semester of the upcoming academic year.
- How to submit: Mail to Aiken County Farm Bureau, PO Box 2097, Aiken, South Carolina 29802; email to bethanyjones@scfbins.com; or fax to 803-641-1906.
- The application form will be provided by email upon request. All applications must be typed. If you retype the form, follow the original outline exactly and include each question in full. Use a minimum font size of 10 points and leave at least a 1/2-inch margin on every side of each page.

Questions
For additional information, contact the Aiken County Farm Bureau office or Bethany Jones at the contact details above.