Best Grants For Agricultural Education in Wisconsin

Focused on sustainable agriculture education, North Central Region SARE invites Wisconsin youth educators to apply for competitive grants up to Up to US $6,000 to develop innovative programming for young people. Projects must engage youth in sustainable agriculture and include outreach that shares successful lessons, methods, or approaches with other educators.

Wisconsin colleges and universities offering agricultural education can seek support for data analytics and precision agriculture projects that enhance agronomy or ag mechanics/engineering programs. Through the CHS Foundation’s competitive annual process, institutions in its trade area may fund curriculum, hands-on learning, and technology-focused initiatives preparing students for modern agriculture careers.

Agricultural education organizations in Wisconsin and other CHS trade area states can apply for CHS Foundation’s Cooperative Education Grant to support program-related costs that teach the agricultural cooperative business model. Programs should target middle school through college students or young producers and have state or national reach with clear, measurable outcomes.

Agricultural education and youth leadership programs in Wisconsin focused on ag education, leadership, or career training may be eligible for support, especially those serving high school students through young professionals. The CHS Foundation prioritizes ag leadership and cooperative education initiatives that build a diverse talent pipeline and highlight the value of the agricultural cooperative business model.

Graduating high school seniors in southern Wisconsin pursuing post-secondary studies in agriculture or agribusiness can access scholarship support through the Platteville Consumers Cooperative Scholarship. The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin supports students from Belmont, Benton, Cuba City, Darlington, Iowa-Grant, Lancaster, Platteville, Shullsburg, and Southwestern high schools seeking agricultural education opportunities.

Students pursuing agricultural-related degrees in Wisconsin and other Upper Midwest states can receive scholarship support for their 3rd or 4th year of study through the Alan Peterson Agricultural Scholarship; awards US $2,000 for higher education costs. CommunityGiving supports agricultural education and innovation, including Wisconsin residents attending eligible colleges and universities in the region.

Nonprofit organizations serving Wisconsin communities can receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 in flexible support for education, youth development, family stability, basic needs, and community well-being projects. With a mission to strengthen communities, Herb Kohl Philanthropies provides Wisconsin agricultural education and related programs with funding that invests in people, engages participants, and builds local connections.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with $100,000+ budgets in Wisconsin communities served by RBC Wealth Management can seek funding for workforce skills, inclusive prosperity, or environmental sustainability programs. Focused on future-ready skills, RBC Foundation USA invites agricultural education and related workforce initiatives to apply if they build in-demand skills, provide work experiences, or support career pathways.

Students pursuing college degrees in agricultural science, including those from Wisconsin studying at eligible institutions, can apply for the Clay and Margaret Godfrey Memorial Agricultural Scholarship supporting agricultural education. With a mission to support students’ higher education, Arkansas Community Foundation provides access through its scholarship portal and quiz to help applicants identify their eligibility.

College and college-bound students interested in agricultural education and related fields in Wisconsin may be eligible if they are Georgia residents pursuing poultry industry degrees. North Georgia Community Foundation supports agricultural education by offering one US $2,000 Gainesville Chicken Scholarship for full-time students majoring in areas like Poultry Science, Animal Science, or Agricultural Economics.

Students pursuing agricultural studies, including those in Wisconsin, can apply for the Arlyn J. Walt Memorial Scholarship, which supports Coopersville-area students interested in agriculture. Offered through the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation’s single application system, eligible applicants are automatically considered for this and other agricultural education scholarships.

Wisconsin agricultural education organizations should note this scholarship is for individual students residing in Marshall County, Indiana pursuing full-time undergraduate agricultural studies. Wisconsin agricultural programs may still benefit by encouraging eligible Indiana students with agricultural interests to apply through Marshall County Community Foundation, which administers this renewable scholarship opportunity.

High school seniors planning to major in mathematics and interested in agricultural education may be eligible for the Breanna Lemler Scholarship, administered by Marshall County Community Foundation, which supports students from specific Marshall County, Indiana schools. Wisconsin agricultural education programs may find this scholarship relevant for college-bound students pursuing related academic paths.

Students pursuing agricultural studies in Wisconsin may be eligible for scholarships supporting higher education costs through the Culver Young Farmers Agricultural Scholarship, administered by Marshall County Community Foundation. This renewable award supports residents who meet the scholarship’s specific agricultural education requirements and are recommended annually by the Scholarship Advisory Committee.

Students pursuing agricultural or green energy-related higher education can receive a one-time US $1,000 scholarship, with eligibility limited to those residing in Delaware. Focused on agricultural education, Delaware Community Foundation invites applicants; Wisconsin agricultural education programs may find this relevant for students with ties to Delaware pursuing related careers.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Bob Suddeth 4-H Scholarship Fund

The Bob Suddeth 4-H Scholarship supports DeKalb County graduating seniors who have been active in 4-H for at least six years, including their senior year of high school, and who plan to pursue agriculture-related education. Financial need is an important consideration, and students may attend any accredited trade school, college, or university. 

Samardzija-Gutesha Family Fund

The Field of Interest Fund reflects the Samardzija-Gutesha family’s values and commitment to giving back. It supports education and hands-on learning in farming, soil health, and water conservation, with a focus on FFA members and associate-level college students.

Scholarships benefit graduating seniors and second-year post-high school students who are originally from DeKalb County high schools with FFA programs.

The Samardzija-Gutesha Family Fund provides scholarships for post-high school students pursuing education in agriculture or conservation, as well as paid internships with local farmers, and conservation professionals. It also supports educational seminars on topics such as sustainable farming and agricultural business, and provides grants to local organizations that align with the donor’s values.

In its first year, the Fund awarded $65,000 in scholarships to eight graduating seniors from DeKalb, Genoa-Kingston, Indian Creek, Somonauk, and Sycamore high schools (pictured above). Each student attending a two-year college received a $5,000 scholarship, while students planning to attend a four-year university received $10,000.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Homer FFA Alumni Scholarship Fund

Established in 1983 the Homer FFA Alumni is a support group for the Homer FFA chapter. The Homer FFA chapter was established in 1948. The Homer FFA Alumni Chapter focuses on premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Homer FFA Alumnus have received national recognition as an Outstanding Alumni Affiliate. The Homer FFA Alumni Scholarship was established in 2002. The Homer FFA Alumni highly encourage current FFA members to reach their fullest potential through furthering their education, beyond high school.

About the Foundation

Kern Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit enterprise with a powerfully simple mission of growing community and growing philanthropy.

Scholarships

Kern Community Foundation manages more than two dozen scholarship funds. Community stakeholders have created these scholarships to honor their loved ones, to support higher education, and to foster the improvement of students as they pursue their diverse ambitions. Students have access to all our scholarship resources through one simple application.

Nickel Family Scholarship for Agricultural Education

The Nickel Family Scholarship for Agricultural Education (“Fund”) was established in 2015 by Adele Nickel, on behalf of the Nickel Family and the Nickel Family Trust. The permanently endowed scholarship fund provides academic support to Central Valley students interested in Agriculture.

The scholarship is available to students admitted to community colleges, and public and private colleges and universities, including accredited technical schools.

Don and Bern Holcomb Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was created in memory of Don and Bern Holcomb and is for high school students from any school in Cattaraugus or Allegany county who plans to attend an accredited post-secondary institution, with a preference for a student majoring in an agricultural or conservation-related field or a female pursuing an engineering degree.

The Tribal Colleges Extension Program Special Emphasis (TCEP-SE) aims to enhance community engagement through pilot projects at 1994 Institutions, targeting issues like agricultural productivity, food systems, and public health. This program is open to a wide range of Tribal colleges and universities, promoting workforce development and youth involvement in agriculture. By addressing local needs, TCEP-SE fosters community vitality and prepares the next generation of Tribal agriculture leaders.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing agricultural or environmental studies who have completed a standout 4-H project can receive scholarship support, including students from Wisconsin. Focused on agricultural and environmental education, Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation’s Terence J. Centner 4-H Scholarship may benefit those accepted to a four-year college or university.

BIPOC-led and BIPOC-allied community-based organizations and Tribal nations in Wisconsin working on agricultural education and food systems can apply for Growing Justice Fund support, with awards of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Funding backs infrastructure, policy and organizing, and traditional food pathways that advance equitable, community-led good food procurement.

Students pursuing agricultural or horticulture degrees can receive funding for their education through this scholarship, open to Future Farmers of America (FFA) members and based on financial need. With a mission to support student success, Stanislaus Community Foundation offers US $1,000 awards, which may benefit those interested in agricultural education opportunities similar to those in Wisconsin.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing agricultural education, animal science, teaching, or primary healthcare can receive US $2,500 for college costs through the David W. Moore Memorial Scholarship; applicants must show financial need, community involvement, and a 2.5+ GPA. Focused on agricultural education, Stanislaus Community Foundation invites eligible students, including those from Wisconsin, to apply.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Susquehanna Beekeepers Association College Scholarship

Established by the Susquehanna Beekeepers Association to provide college tuition assistance to students from northeastern Pennsylvania who will major in agriculture or biology.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Van Cott Family Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Kermit Van Cott and his son Forrest to provide tuition assistance to a graduating Senior from one of the High Schools in Susquehanna County, with priority given to Blue Ridge, who will major in Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Horticulture, Botany, Forestry, or Agriculture and who will matriculate at college or a post-secondary degree program.