Applications are now being accepted for up to 25 $2,000 N.C. State Fair Junior Livestock Scholarships available for youth who participated in the N.C. State Fair livestock shows. The scholarships can used for institutes of higher learning, including community colleges and technical schools. The deadline to apply is March 1.

• I have always said there are lots of positive outcomes for young people who participate in the State Fair youth livestock shows.

• For example, they learn responsibility and how to care for an animal, but in addition, they are eligible to apply for scholarships to help with their education at an institute of higher learning.

• Any youth who exhibited a livestock animal at the State Fair is eligible regardless of species, class or show placement.

• We’ve talked about the youth livestock scholarships in the past and this year we have up to 25 scholarships for $2,000 each available. There is also one $2,500 Farm Credit Premier Scholarship available thanks to the Farm Credit organization.

• Paying for college can be a challenge and every dollar in scholarship money received is important in helping kids realize their higher education dreams. Ask any parent, I’m sure they will agree!

• The money can be used at any institute of higher learning, including community colleges and technical colleges. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 course hours and they can apply each year they are in school, and can receive a maximum of four scholarships.

• The deadline to apply is March 1. Students will need to submit a completed application, a 500-word essay, a copy of their current transcript, a general resume outlining community involvement and extracurricular actives and two letters of recommendation.

• We started this scholarship program back in 2015 to create an opportunity for all youth participants to benefit and we are awarded nearly $400,000 in scholarship money.

• I am grateful for the many supporters who purchase grand and reserve grand champions animals during the annual Junior Livestock Sale of Champions.

• Through their generous support, we are able to offer scholarships, reward the grand and reserve grand champion winners and help promote the junior livestock program.

• So, I’d say this is a winning program for our young people. It is working and continues to work to benefit our young livestock competitors.
• For more information, contact the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.