Farm Credit Mid-America Scholars
Offered by Farm Credit Mid-America
About This Scholarship
Farm Credit Mid-America Scholars is a two-year scholarship and leadership program run by one of the largest agricultural lenders in the Farm Credit System. Each recipient receives $5,000 in academic funding spread over two years, paired with a week-long learning experience, leadership development, and financial education built around careers in agriculture.
The program targets students who are already in college and committed to an agriculture-related major. Only rising sophomores and juniors may apply, which makes it a good fit for students who missed senior-year ag scholarships or who switched into an agriculture program after starting college. Unlike the lender's Customer Scholarship, applicants do not need a family connection to a Farm Credit Mid-America loan.
The application is short compared with many ag awards: a resume and one letter of recommendation, submitted online in a single sitting. Because the form must be finished in one session, gather both documents before you start. Applications for the 2027 school year close December 31, 2026, and the 2025 cohort drew 26 students from five states.
Eligibility
- Rising college sophomore or junior for the 2027 school year
- Majoring in agriculture or an agriculture-related field
- Customer relationship with Farm Credit Mid-America is not required
- Children of Farm Credit Mid-America team members and directors are not eligible
- Only one Farm Credit Mid-America scholarship may be received per school year
How To Apply
- Review the Scholars program page on fcma.com
- Prepare a current resume and one letter of recommendation as uploadable files
- Complete the online application in one sitting (it cannot be saved and resumed)
- Submit by December 31, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Farm Credit Mid-America customer to apply?
No. The Scholars program is open to agriculture majors regardless of whether their family borrows from Farm Credit Mid-America. The separate $1,500 Customer Scholarship is the one limited to customers' children and grandchildren.
Can high school seniors apply?
No. The Scholars program is limited to rising college sophomores and juniors. High school seniors with a customer connection can look at the Customer Scholarship instead.
How is the $5,000 paid?
The award is spread over two years of college rather than paid as a single lump sum, and it comes with a week-long learning experience and leadership training.