Youth who have exhibited a livestock animal at the N.C. State Fair are eligible to apply for the Youth Livestock Scholarships.
The 2015 N.C. State Fair Youth Livestock Scholarship program is accepting applications. There are up to 24 scholarships available this year, and each is worth $2,000.
Youth who have exhibited a livestock animal at the N.C. State Fair are eligible to apply for this scholarship, regardless of breed, class or show placement. The scholarships can be used at universities, community colleges and technical schools. Completed applications are due at the N.C. State Fair office or postmarked by 5 p.m. April 1.
The scholarships were created under a new program aimed at supporting youth pursuing higher education. They are funded from a portion of the proceeds from the 2014 Junior Livestock Sale of Champions, and organizers hope to continue — and even grow — the scholarship program each year. The number of scholarships awarded each year will depend on the number of qualified applicants and the funds available from the previous year’s Sale of Champions.
Students interested in applying for a scholarship must be enrolled in a minimum of nine course hours per semester. They must submit an application form, a resume of State Fair Junior Livestock show experience, a copy of their current transcript, a 500-word essay explaining what the student learned by showing livestock, a resume of extracurricular activities and honors, and two letters of recommendation in sealed envelopes.
The 100-point selection criteria are made up of 60 points for N.C. State Fair Junior Livestock show experience, 10 points for academic achievement, 15 points for essay and 15 points for the general resume of extracurricular activities and honors
Applications are available on the State Fair’s website. Applications and supporting materials should be sent to the N.C. State Fair, Attn. Livestock Office, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh 27607. For more information, contact Neil Bowman at 919-270-7094 or by email at neil.bowman@ncagr.gov.
And if you’re interested more information on how individuals and organizations can support the 2015 Junior Livestock Sale of Champions or the scholarship program, contact Wesley Wyatt, State Fair manager, at wesley.wyatt@ncagr.gov or 919-821-7400; or Angie Crone, sponsorship director, at angie.crone@ncagr.gov or 919-839-4514.
