Scholarships for Crop Sciences

Rewarding Careers in Agriculture

Crop science involves the study of how the ongoing improvement and growth of agriculture is furthered by science. The main focus is how to produce thriving crops in a way that is efficient and economical. This research is conducted not only to create better crops for food, but also for fuels and fibers.

There are many different fields inside of this subject including plant genetics, crop rotation, soil science and how to control and eliminate weeds and insects. Those wishing to become a crop scientist after college have many different areas they can go into, ranging from teaching crop science to working as a field representative for a food processing company. Like almost all other degrees, there are special scholarships for those wishing to enter this type of study!

Scholarship Programs

Pioneer Research Awards Program

The National Institutes of Health offer the Pioneer Award Program. This highly competitive and prestigious award is set up to allow scientists the opportunity to get creative and pioneer different approaches to agricultural research. They want the scientist to discover methods that will drastically impact the production of crops. They are so fervent in their search that they offer up to an astounding $500,000 per year for five years to conduct research!

United States Department of Agriculture, 1890 National Scholars Program

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) teamed up with 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities to offer the 1890 National Scholars Program. This is a great opportunity for students at these 18 universities. Incoming college freshman are eligible to apply for this scholarship, and it covers the full price of tuition. Not only do students get their tuition paid for, but they also have a chance at a career once graduated from college. One of the perks of this program is that during the summer and after graduation, students will be employed to work for the USDA. This is a great way to get your career started! Other benefits include covered fees, book costs, room and board, and the use of a laptop, printer, and software while on the scholarship.

Washington State University, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences

The University of Washington has over 700 scholarship opportunities. They offer many different scholarships in the field of crop science. There are some general scholarships such as the Roscoe and Frances Cox Charitable Scholarship, which is given to students in the WSU Crop and Science Department. They also have more specific awards to those majoring in crop and soil sciences, interested in crop production or seed technology, and much more. They have an extensive list, so be sure to find the ones you are eligible for. Applications are due online before January 31st of each year.

Purdue University, Department of Agronomy

Purdue University’s Department of Agronomy offers a special scholarship opportunity to students who are a resident of Indiana. The Bruce E. Hardy Scholarship goes to students who are Crop Science majors with a GPA of at least 3.0. Students must also write a paper on the top of “how to increase the profitability of crop production while maintaining the environment.” This is a $1,000 scholarship.

Another award they offer is the A. R. Hilst Memorial Scholarship which is for those who are enrolled in the Department of Agronomy. Preference is given to students who are focusing on soil and crop science. To be eligible, Sophomores and Juniors must have a minimum GPA of 3.4, and incoming Freshman must rank in the top 10% of their high school graduating class or have an SAT score of at least 1100. This scholarship is also for $1,000.

Ohio State University, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science

The Ohio State University has a large Horticulture and Crop Science Department. With that come many different scholarships. In the specific field of Crop Science, they offer a few scholarships:

• Roy O. Becker Crop Science Scholarship Fund- this scholarship goes to students who are specifically interested in small grains.
• Linville-Shoemaker Scholarship Fund- This fund goes to sophomores and juniors who excel in academics, are majoring in crop science, and are devoted to crop science.
• Ohio Agribusiness Assn.- Crop Science Scholarship- this scholarship is for students in crop science who are interested in the field of agribusiness sales or management in one of the grain, feed, seed, fertilizer, or chemical industries.
• Dr. Dale A. Ray Memorial Fund- this award goes to an outstanding grain crop student.