Scholarships

Each year, the Ohio FFA Foundation recognizes Ohio FFA members who wish to continue their formal education. Through multiple scholarships, the Ohio FFA Foundation and its partners are able to recognize FFA members for their diligence and hard work. The Ohio FFA Foundation offers multiple different scholarship opportunities with only one application. The 2023-24 scholarship application will be available in November and applications will be due February 1, 2024.

Brent Bail Family Foundation Scholarship – This scholarship was created by Tom and Nicole Waltz in honor of Nicole’s father, Brent Bail. Brent was born and raised in Athens and was a 1980 graduate from Athens High School. After a long career in excavating, Brent became an admirable horseman, eventually helping to found the Ohio Ranch Horse Association. Brent was able to touch the lives of countless people by passing on his horsemanship abilities while providing lessons that will be remembered for a lifetime. Eligible applicants should be post-secondary bound FFA members pursuing a vocational, associate, and/or bachelor’s degree. Preference will be given to students from Athens County and who engage in community service and volunteer work; are involved in 4-H and equestrian activities; work on a farm and support themselves or their family; and demonstrate financial need.

Earl “Doc” Kantner Scholarship – Dr. Earl “Doc” Kantner is well known for contributing 45 years of leadership to Agricultural Education and Ohio FFA. He served as a teacher, State FFA Executive Secretary and Ohio FFA Foundation and Center director. He and his wife, Onnolee, are also known for their positive influence on the organization. An endowment was established to award a scholarship to Ohio FFA members in honor of Dr. Kantner. Applicants must be a high school senior and planning to attend The Ohio State University (including any branch campus).

Ohio HBPA Scholarship – The Ohio Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) is comprised of nearly 2,500 owners and trainers who race Thoroughbreds at the three commercial race tracks in Ohio. Since 2016, the Ohio HBPA has partnered with the Ohio FFA Foundation to provide 24 scholarships to Ohio’s FFA members. Each year two $1,000 Ohio HBPA scholarships will be offered to FFA members in each of the FFA’s ten Ohio districts. Additionally, 4 at large $1,000 scholarships will be available to FFA members for a total of 24 $1,000 FFA scholarships. Applicants can be a high school senior or a college freshman and attending any post-secondary institution. 

Ohio State Fair Endowment Scholarship – In 2016, the Ohio State Fair Scholarship Endowment Program was formed to provide scholarships to FFA Students who exhibit at the Ohio State Fair and are planning to study an agriculturally-related area of study. If applying for this scholarship, please be prepared to list in detail your participation at the Ohio State Fair including the areas of participation and the year. This includes livestock showing and/or judging, sanctioned 4-H/FFA project judging and participation in the livestock skillathon. Please also include your plans for the upcoming year. While the 2020 Ohio State Fair was cancelled, please list all involvement except that year.

General applicant requirements:
– Must be a current Ohio FFA member
– Must be a current high school senior or college freshman (at the time of application)
– Must major in an agricultural related field of study. See the List of Approved Majors document.
– Must have a minimum of 2.7 cumulative GPA
– Students that do not provide a valid email will be disqualified

Students must upload a current resume (.pdf file). The file should be titled “FirstNameLastName_Resume”. Resume Guidelines

Applications are due by February 1, 2024

Ohio State Fair Endowed Scholarship
Hannah Dingledine, Mechanicsburg FFA
Gemma Dotts, Claymont FFA

Earl F. “Doc” Kantner Scholarship
Ryan Culp, Indian Lake-OHP FFA
Chloe Hall, North Union FFA
Ava Knapke, Celina FFA
Emma Truance, River Valley (Bidwell) FFA

Brent Bail Family Foundation Scholarship
Sheridan Boyd, Federal Hocking FFA

HBPA Scholarship
Madelyn Anderson, Amanda-Clearcreek FFA
Olivia Ault, John Glenn FFA
Lacie Bachman, Bloom-Carroll FFA
Malainy Boes, Upper Sandusky FFA
Cole Callahan, Jackson FFA
Cadence Fairchild, Shelby FFA
Kimber Fillman, Indian Valley FFA
Kiersten Franke, Edgewood-Butler Tech FFA
Lauren French, Delphos FFA
Sarah Hoak, Plymouth FFA
Shayla Hysell, Meigs FFA
Allison Knapke, Fort Recovery FFA
Isabella Koenig, Botkins FFA
Kayla Lightfield, Talawanda-Butler Tech FFA
Hannah McKinniss, Ridgemont FFA
Carley Miller, Fairfield Union FFA
Jesse Mitchell, Bio-Med Science Academy FFA
Delaney Moore, Bloom-Carroll FFA
Dalton Mullins, Miami Trace Great Oaks FFA
Cheyenne Myers, R.G. Drage Career Center FFA
Emma Puckett, Talawanda-Butler Tech FFA
Gracie Sprague, Genoa-Penta FFA
Sophie Sterken, Pettisville FFA
Cooper Woodson, Marysville FFA