Jun 28, 2024

Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation Awards Student Teacher Scholarship to Future Agriculture Educators

Posted Jun 28, 2024 10:00 PM

Nebraska Farm Bureau

LINCOLN, NEB. –The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation awarded 10 scholarships to students enrolled in the Agricultural Education Teaching Program at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL).

“Classrooms and FFA chapters will benefit from the passion reflected in this year’s applications,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “It is an honor to support these future teachers who will develop strong leaders to ensure a bright future for Nebraska agriculture.”

Each recipient will receive a $1,500 scholarship during his or her student teaching semester at the university. Applicants shared why they wanted to be an agricultural education teacher, professional goals for the future, and what the scholarship would mean to them.

“With 218 schools offering high school agricultural education programs and FFA chapters, demand for teachers has never been stronger,” said Matt Kreifels, associate professor of practice in agricultural education at UNL. “These teachers serve a vital role in agriculture by introducing and recruiting talented students to the industry. We thank the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation for supporting these future teachers.  Through this scholarship program, and with Farm Bureau helping to promote the profession of agricultural education, UNL has seen an increase in the number of students entering this profession. Nebraska Farm Bureau, its members, and the Foundation are supporting the future of Nebraska agriculture by investing in these young teachers.”

The 10 recipients of the scholarships are Tharyn Barker, Lancaster County; Vickie Ference, Valley County; Kate Holcomb, Custer County; Emily Ideus, Lancaster County; Rylie Krause, York; Sydney Linse, Keya Paha County; Abigail Lutjelusche, Colfax County; Taryn Miller, Buffalo County; Connor Scholz, Hall County; Madison Stracke, Holt County.

The mission of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information about the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, visit www.nefbfoundation.org