USJersey association opens over $30,000 in scholarships

The American Jersey Cattle Association is now accepting applications for its 2025-26 national scholarship program, which supports educational opportunities for Jersey youth pursuing post-secondary education and on-farm internships. Applications are due by July 1, 2025.

The scholarship program offers a variety of awards for students at different stages of their academic journey. Scholarships available include

Achievement and academic scholarships

• Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship ($2,250): Open to nominees of the national achievement contest.
• V. L. Peterson Scholarship ($2,250): Applicants must have completed at least one year of college coursework.
• Paul Jackson Memorial Scholarship ($1,000): Requires completion of one year of college.
• AJCA Directors Scholarship ($1,500): Awarded based on academic performance, activities with Jersey cattle, and a commitment to continued involvement in the Jersey dairy industry.

Scholarships for entering college freshmen

• William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship ($3,000): Exclusively for incoming college freshmen.

Scholarships based on program of study

• Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship ($1,500): Available to undergraduate and graduate students, based on their field of study.
• Russell-Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies ($5,000): Awarded to graduate students pursuing advanced studies.

Practical experience and specialized scholarships

• Bob Toole Youth Award ($1,500): Supports college expenses or practical agricultural experiences for high school graduates.
• Morris B. Ewing ABS Genetic Performance Scholarship ($2,750): For juniors and seniors in college, awarded based on their program of study.

Additional awards

• The Lineweaver Scholarship ($3,500): Detailed requirements for application and renewal are listed on the application form.
• Walter and Joyce Owens Family Scholarship ($5,000): Requirements to apply and renew are detailed on the application.
• Robert Bignami Memorial Scholarship ($2,500): Exclusively for attendees of the Jersey Youth Academy.
• Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award ($350): A smaller recognition award for youth achievement.

Internship and regional Awards

• Fred Stout Experience Awards
  Two awards available: one for an internship with Jersey Marketing Service and one for a customized on-farm experience. Application deadline: December 1.
• Reuben R. Cowles Youth Educational Award
  Awarded to young Jersey owners in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Applicants must be at least high school seniors and no older than 36. The award amount varies yearly, averaging $1,500. Application deadline: July 1.

Since 1917, the AJCA has promoted youth involvement in the Jersey breed through programs that include free junior memberships until age 21, national contests, scholarships, and leadership activities such as the National Jersey Youth Production Contest, the Pot O’Gold Sale, and the All American Junior Jersey Show. Participants also have the opportunity to attend the Jersey Youth Academy, an intensive educational event held biennially in Columbus, Ohio.