Apply for USJersey Scholarships

Monday, July 1 is the deadline to apply for scholarship and educational awards administered by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA), Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

This year $32,600 was awarded to Jersey youth. The funds provide financial support for young Jersey owners pursuing a college or university degree or, in some cases, gaining hands-on experience in the development and management of Registered Jersey™ cattle. Eligible applicants are Junior or Lifetime members of the association with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).

The Walter and Joyce Owens Family Scholarship ($5,000) will be awarded for the third year. Students that are incoming or current undergraduates in any post education institution studying dairy related majors are eligible. Applicants must be working towards a 2-year or 4-year degree and demonstrating satisfactory academic performance. Recipients are eligible to receive scholarship up to two (2) times but must reapply to be considered.

The Russell–Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies ($5,000) will be awarded to a graduate student in dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis), large animal veterinary practice, dairy production/manufacturing, or dairy product marketing.

Students who will begin a program of study at an accredited college or university in the fall of 2024 may apply for the William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship ($2,750). Students who have completed at least one year of study toward their degree are eligible for the V. L. Peterson Scholarship ($2,000). Also, the Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship ($2,000) will be awarded to an eligible nominee for the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.

The Robert Bignami Memorial Scholarship ($2,000). This scholarship was established from a generous donation of Bob and Pam Bignami, Orland, Calif., from the sale of BW Graduate-ET in 2020.

Students who are high school graduates and have attended Jersey Youth Academy are eligible to apply if heading to, or already enrolled in an accredited four-year college/university majoring in an agricultural-based degree.

The award is based upon financial need, academic performance, and leadership skills. Financial need will be determined by comparing the Cost of Attendance (COA) at the students university offset by the amount of money the student will contribute in the form of (1) scholarships and grants, (2) income from work, (3) loans, and (4) contributions from parents and/or others. It may be automatically renewed up to three times or until completion of the undergraduate degree, as long as eligibility requirements are met.

A Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship ($1,250) will be awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a program to earn a degree in large animal veterinary practice, dairy production, dairy manufacturing, or dairy product marketing, and who demonstrates through completed coursework and goal statement, significant progress toward this intended degree and a clear intention for a career in agriculture.

The Paul Jackson Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) is for continuing college students in any degree program area. The AJCA Directors’ Scholarship ($1,000) will be awarded based on academic performance, activities and accomplishments with Jersey cattle and commitment to continued involvement in the Jersey dairy business. The Bob Toole Jersey Youth Award ($1,500) can be used for educational expenses or a well-defined practical experience related to breeding, developing and showing Registered Jerseys.

The Morris B. Ewing ABS Genetic Performance Scholarship ($2,500) will be awarded to a junior or senior undergraduate student seeking a career in genetics, dairy production, large animal veterinary medicine or milk marketing. The Lineweaver Scholarship ($2,750) will be awarded to an undergraduate who has completed at least one year of study in a four-year program focused on dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis) or dairy products.

The recipient of the Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award ($350) will be selected from among applicants for the national achievement contest and/or scholarship program to recognize abilities and leadership potential and, in turn, challenging the recipient to achieve his/her potential through continuing Jersey activities.

Also, the Reuben R. Cowles Jersey Youth Award will be presented to an eligible resident of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia 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. Applicants must be at least high school graduates, but not older than 36 years of age as of January 1, 2024.

For application forms and instructions, visit the “Scholarships and Internships” page on the USJersey website or use the link, tinyurl.com/JerseyScholarships. Recipients will be recognized on Saturday, November 9 at the Youth Awards Ceremony held in Louisville, Ky.

For more information, contact the AJCA by email at info@usjersey.com; or visit its web site at USJersey.com.