Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement Scholarship
Offered by Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement (Horizon Farm Credit)
About This Scholarship
The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement is the charitable arm associated with Horizon Farm Credit, the cooperative lender serving farmers in the Mid-Atlantic. Its student scholarship program is one of the largest regional agriculture awards in the country: the 2027 program will award at least $350,000, with individual scholarships worth up to $10,000, and the 2026 round sent $457,000 to 66 students.
The foundation defines an agriculture career broadly. Future food scientists, veterinarians, ag teachers, agronomists, and loan officers all qualify, so applicants do not need to plan on farming. High school seniors and students already enrolled in two-year, four-year, or technical programs can apply, and a student may win the award up to four times over the course of their education.
Applicants must live in Horizon Farm Credit's territory: Delaware, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and designated counties in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. The application asks for transcripts, a one-page resume, written responses, and two recommendation letters dated on or after September 18, 2026, the day the 2027 cycle opened.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen and legal resident of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., or the listed Horizon Farm Credit counties in Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia
- High school senior, or currently enrolled in a two- or four-year program at an accredited college, university, or technical school
- Planning to pursue a career in agriculture (farming is not required; food science, veterinary, ag education, and ag finance all count)
- Must be enrolled the following academic year to accept the award
- Officers, directors, and employees of the foundation or Horizon Farm Credit, and their immediate families, are not eligible (current and past Horizon interns may apply)
How To Apply
- Check the county list on fcfoundationforag.org to confirm your residence is in the eligible territory
- Use the Apply Now button to open the foundation's online application (open since September 18, 2026)
- Upload transcripts and a resume of no more than one page, and complete the written application and essays
- Request two recommendation letters dated September 18, 2026 or later, at least one from a teacher, professor, or employer, with the recommender's full contact details
- Submit by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on January 8, 2027; recipients are notified by April 1, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I win this scholarship more than once?
Yes. A student can receive up to four scholarships from the foundation over the course of their education, but each year requires a new application.
What can the money be used for?
Tuition, room and board, textbooks and learning materials, summer or winter classes, and credit-bearing study abroad through your school. Conferences and research expenses are not covered.
Can my recommendation letters be from last year?
No. Letters must be dated on or after September 18, 2026, the date the 2027 application opened, and cannot come from family members or Horizon Farm Credit staff.