Women’s Leadership in Agriculture Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Ohio Farm Bureau

Overview
The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for Ohio students from rural, suburban and urban backgrounds who are pursuing college or technical training tied to agriculture. Across 15 endowed funds, the Foundation distributes nearly 50 awards to worthy applicants.

Eligibility (general)
Scholarships support students pursuing degrees, certificates or training connected to agriculture, food systems, natural resources, or related fields. Several awards have geographic or program-specific restrictions (listed below), and some are renewable for multiple years.

Available scholarships

David E. Mizer Memorial Scholarship (new in 2024)
Created in 2024, this scholarship honors students who demonstrate strong work ethic, academic dedication, civic involvement and career goals that will advance Ohio agriculture. It awards one renewable $3,000 scholarship to a student from Belmont, Harrison, Jefferson or Tuscarawas County who is studying dairy science, food science, agriculture or a closely related discipline. The award may be renewed for up to three additional years, providing a maximum of $12,000 to the recipient.

Lou Ann Putnam Harrold Memorial Scholarship Fund (Hardin County)
This endowment supports deserving individuals from Hardin County in perpetuity. Its purpose is to reduce financial barriers that might prevent people from pursuing agricultural careers or obtaining workforce training needed to expand their skills in the agricultural sector.

Bruce and Carlene Patterson Agricultural Scholarship
Established to provide ongoing scholarship support in perpetuity, this fund helps remove financial obstacles for students pursuing agricultural studies or workforce training related to agriculture. Applications for this scholarship are accepted twice each year, closing March 31 and October 31.

Yvonne Lesicko Memorial Scholarship
Named for Yvonne Lesicko, Ohio Farm Bureau’s vice president of public policy who passed away in 2020, this endowment generates perpetual scholarship support for students majoring in agricultural and environmental policy or in related areas such as food production, scientific research, education and outreach, policymaking, advocacy, or leadership development for women.

Bill and Helen Swank Scholarship
Created to honor Dr. C. William Swank — who served as Ohio Farm Bureau’s executive vice president from 1968–1996 and whose total Farm Bureau career spanned 40 years — this scholarship recognizes his legacy of leadership and commitment to the economic and social well-being of farm families.

Richard & Carole Cocks Scholarship
This award recognizes applicants for academic achievement, strong work habits, community service and career interests that strengthen Ohio agriculture.

Joseph Kelly Memorial Scholarship
Founded in 2018 to commemorate the life and service of Joseph Kelly, this annual, merit-based scholarship rewards students from Lorain County who are pursuing agriculture-related degrees.

Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Scholar Award
This scholarship honors students whose academics, community involvement and career ambitions leverage agriculture to build stronger connections between producers and consumers across rural, suburban and urban communities.

John C. “Jack” Fisher Scholarship
Named for John C. “Jack” Fisher and funded through the Fisher Fund for Lifelong Learning, this scholarship reflects Fisher’s belief in a quote from Ohio Farm Bureau’s first Executive Vice President Murray Lincoln: “People have within their own hands the tools to fashion their own destiny.” The scholarship’s aim is to help recipients gain the tools needed for a more fulfilling life.

Kenny Walter Scholarship
Kenny Walter — known affectionately as “Mr. Farm Bureau” — devoted 34 years to Ohio Farm Bureau. This scholarship is awarded to students from Farm Bureau families in the 29 northeastern counties Walter served as a regional supervisor and organization director, and supports post-secondary agricultural study.

Darwin Bryan Scholarship Fund
Established in 1985 in honor of Darwin R. Bryan and his 37 years of enthusiastic leadership with Ohio Farm Bureau, this fund helps students who have been active in the Farm Bureau youth program and/or whose parents are Farm Bureau members.

Mularcik Welding Scholarship (Summit County)
Created by Brad Mularcik, a long-time Summit County Farm Bureau member, this scholarship recognizes the importance of skilled trades and assists Summit County youth who are pursuing a career in welding.

Cindy Hollingshead Scholarship
Established in 2011 to honor Cynthia Anne (Cindy) Hollingshead for 39 years of service as Ohio Farm Bureau’s executive secretary and a lifetime of volunteer service in local government and communities, this scholarship supports students planning careers in agriculture, community service or association leadership.

Ohio Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association Scholarship
The Ohio Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association is a nonprofit trade group that represents about 2,500 thoroughbred owners and trainers who race at Ohio’s three commercial thoroughbred tracks. This scholarship helps students who intend to pursue careers in food or agriculture.

Dr. David A. Benfield Scholarship Fund
Created in 2019 by colleagues and friends to honor Dr. David A. Benfield’s 17 years of service as associate director of OARDC and as associate vice president and director of the Wooster Campus in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, this scholarship supports students studying livestock and crop sciences at the Ohio State ATI.

For application specifics and any additional program restrictions, contact the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation or visit their scholarship information page.