Ray Stoesser Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by US Rice Producers Association
Description
The Stoesser family, in partnership with the U.S. Rice Producers Association (USRPA), funds a scholarship to support students pursuing careers in agriculture. The award targets high school seniors and college students who demonstrate interest in agriculture-related fields, with an emphasis on the U.S. rice industry. The program aims to invest in future industry leaders by combining financial support with experiential engagement. The scholarship also creates a pathway for recipients to engage directly with industry activities and stakeholders.
Description: A privately funded scholarship administered with USRPA to support students entering agriculture-related careers and to connect recipients with industry opportunities.
- Funded by the Stoesser family in partnership with USRPA
- Supports students pursuing agriculture-related careers
- Combines financial award with industry engagement
Eligibility & Application Requirements
Applicants must reside in the United States and intend to pursue a career in an agriculture-related field. Eligibility is open to high school seniors, current college students, and graduate students. The application requires completion of an online form plus a self-produced video of no more than five minutes. The video must answer the question: “What is your vision for the next generation of the U.S. rice industry?”
Eligibility: U.S. residents who are high school seniors, undergraduate students, or graduate students planning to pursue an agriculture-related career.
Application Requirements: Complete the online application and submit a self-produced video (≤ 5 minutes) addressing “What is your vision for the next generation of the U.S. rice industry?”
- Must live in the United States
- Open to high school seniors, college, and graduate students
- Video response required (maximum 5 minutes, specified question)
- Applicants are encouraged to address topics shaping the industry’s future
Award Value & Recipient Responsibilities
The scholarship provides a $5,000 monetary award to a single recipient to support their education and career development. In addition to the financial award, the recipient will serve as a student ambassador for USRPA and is expected to participate in at least two industry activities during the calendar year. Typical activities include Field Days, legislative events, Rice Council meetings, and professional conferences. These responsibilities offer practical exposure to the rice industry and networking opportunities with producers and policymakers.
Award Value: $5,000 awarded to one recipient to support study or career preparation in an agriculture-related field.
Recipient Responsibilities: Serve as a USRPA student ambassador and participate in a minimum of two industry activities such as Field Days, meetings, or conferences.
- $5,000 awarded to one eligible recipient
- Ambassador role includes industry engagement and representation
- Expect to participate in at least two USRPA activities annually
- Opportunities include events, meetings, and conferences for professional development