Scholarship

Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society Scholarship

Purpose

Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society (hereafter referred to as NPSAS) has established a scholarship fund to support the training of the next generation of sustainable/organic farmers and ranchers.

Value and Duration

At least one award of $1,000 will be distributed annually. This is a one-time award per applicant.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. The parents/guardians and/or applicant must be current members of NPSAS.
2. Applicant must be at least a first-year student at a college or technical school with proof of acceptance to an accredited post secondary educational program. The award is open to students pursuing any level of degree or certificate from Associates to PhD.
3. Applicant must be pursuing a curriculum in sustainable/organic agriculture OR an approved mentorship program.
4. The Scholarship Selection Committee reserves the right to review and select other candidate(s) who may not meet all of the aforementioned guidelines but who would fulfill other needs in a sustainable society.

How to Apply

A complete application submission includes the following:

1. Completed application form
2. A recommendation letter from the applicant’s college advisor and/or supervising faculty indicating their acceptance into a sustainable agriculture related program.
3. Two additional letters of recommendation (at least one must be from an individual familiar with the applicant’s sustainable agriculture work/goals).

Applications are to be made directly to the Scholarship Selection Committee at the following address:

NPSAS

SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION COMMITTEE

PO BOX 194

LaMOURE ND 58458

Deadline~has been extended:

Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on December 1, 2012.

No submissions or support documents will be accepted after the due date.

Selection

At a minimum, applicants must communicate a desire to pursue one or more of the following careers:

• Sustainable production agriculture
• Sustainable agricultural business(es)
• Activities which support agricultural communities in a meaningful way

Applications will be reviewed by a multi-person Scholarship Selection Committee and selection(s) will be based upon the application materials and the goals/needs of NPSAS. Selection is not based upon need.

Payment of Award

Successful applicants will be notified by mail on or before January 15 of the year following application. The award will be formally announced at the NPSAS Winter Conference. The scholarship check will be mailed directly to the awardee after they submit proof of completion (for example, final grades) for the current term.

Obligations of Winner

The recipient will furnish their brief biography and a photo, and will also consent to have both appear in NPSAS promotional materials such as; The Germinator and e-Sprout. Updates on your career would also be welcomed by the membership who have worked hard to make this opportunity possible.

Questions?

Please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the NPSAS office at 701-883-4304, the hours are 8:30-4:30 M – F.

Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society Scholarship Application Form

Personal Information

Full Name_______________________________________ Date/Year of Birth____________

Address_________________________________________ Home Phone ___________________

Parent(s) or Guardian(s) Name(s)___________________________________________________

Educational Institution

Name________________________________ Location______________________________

Degree/Certificate sought______________________________________________________

Career Goals

Career(s) you plan to pursue_________________________________________________________

Connection to Agriculture_________________________________________________________

List the primary extra-curricular activities (and years involved in each) that have had the greatest impact on your choice of a future career.

Activity_____________________________________________________ # of years_____________

Activity_____________________________________________________ # of years_____________

Activity_____________________________________________________ # of years_____________

Activity_____________________________________________________ # of years_____________

Activity_____________________________________________________ # of years_____________

Activity_____________________________________________________ # of years_____________

In just a few sentences describe how these activities will benefit you in your future pursuits.

Describe how this scholarship would be considered an investment in the future of agriculture. (Example: We are looking for your passion and capacity for farming and ability/willingness to give back to sustainable agriculture.)

Statement by applicant:

I have personally prepared this application and verify the accuracy of its content.

Signature_________________________________________ Date______________________

(Scholarship document revised 1-4-11)