Become a Minnesota agriculture teacher
One benefit of going into agricultural education is there are many opportunities to receive financial support, including access to scholarships and loan forgiveness programs for those working toward becoming an agriculture teacher.
There are many ways to help fund your passion of teaching agriculture including these scholarship opportunities listed below!
MAELC Scholarships
The Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council’s (MAELC) scholarship program was designed to attract and retain enthusiastic and qualified students to Agricultural Education at several qualifying Minnesota institutions. There are currently three scholarship opportunities available to students through this program.
Agricultural Education for All Scholarship
The MAELC Agricultural Education for All Scholarship provides financial support for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in agricultural education, with a special emphasis on individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. This scholarship aims to address the shortage of high school agriculture teachers while fostering diverse, inclusive classrooms that reflect Minnesota’s student population.
Frequency: Applications are accepted three times per year.
Application Deadline: February 1, July 1, and November 1.
Undergraduate Agricultural Education Scholarship
The Undergraduate Agricultural Education Scholarship is available to undergraduate Minnesota Agricultural Education-Teacher Licensure students who are student teaching between Fall 2024-Spring 2026. Students must be registered as full-time and attending Southwest Minnesota State University, University of Minnesota-Crookston, or the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities at the time the scholarship is disbursed.
Frequency: Annually
Application Deadline: February 1st
Graduate Agricultural Education Licensure Scholarship
The Graduate Agricultural Education Licensure Scholarship is available to current University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduate students enrolled in an Initial or Additional Licensure program in Agricultural Education. Applicants who are firmly committed to teaching agricultural education in Minnesota should apply for this scholarship.
Frequency: Annually
Application Deadline: November 1st
James W. Tracy Scholarship
The Minnesota FFA Foundation established the James W. Tracy Scholarship because of a Northfield area farmer.
Frequency: Annually
Eligibility Information | Application Deadline: February 1st | Recipients Announced: May 1st
North Star Promise Scholarship
North Star Promise provides free college tuition to help make education after high school possible for more Minnesota students and families. Free tuition is available at all Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, all University of Minnesota campuses and all Tribal Colleges.
Eligibility Information | The North Star Promise program is open to all Minnesota residents with a family Adjusted Gross Income below $80,000.
Southwest Minnesota State University Agriculturally-Specific Scholarships
Over six agriculturally-specific scholarships, plus many additional general scholarships.
Application will be available for students applying for the Spring 2024 and Fall 2024
University of Minnesota Crookston R. Ward Scholarship
The R. Ward Mem Ag Ed Scholarship is to be awarded to a student who is a sophomore, junior, or senior studying agriculture education. There are many additional scholarships available as well.
Eligibility Information | Recipients Announced: Paper estimated financial aid offer notice by mail.
University of Minnesota Land Grant Legacy Scholars
Land Grant Legacy Scholars ($20,000 over 4 years), several agricultural education-specific scholarships, plus many additional general scholarships are available through the University of Minnesota.
Get Started with Minnesota Teach Ag!
It is clear that Minnesota values the future of agriculture. Because of that, there are a vast number of other scholarship opportunities available if you dig hard enough! Here are a few suggestions of other organizations to connect with at a local level to further your investigation into scholarships:
National FFA | CHS | Your Local Community Scholarship Opportunities
Loan Forgiveness Program
Minnesota Agricultural Education Loan Repayment Program
The Minnesota Agricultural Education Loan Repayment Program supports teachers providing agricultural education (grades 5–12) in Minnesota schools by offering student loan repayment assistance.
Frequency: Applications are accepted once annually
2024 Application Deadline: September 30, 2024.