Women’s Leadership in Agriculture Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Ohio Farm Bureau

The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation is offering nearly 50 scholarships across 15 endowed funds for Ohio students from rural, suburban and urban areas who are pursuing education connected to agriculture. Interested applicants must submit their applications online at ofbf.org/foundation/scholarships by March 31.

Key scholarships and eligibility highlights

- David E. Mizer Memorial Scholarship (new in 2024): One renewable $3,000 award for a student from Belmont, Harrison, Jefferson or Tuscarawas County who intends to major in dairy science, food science, agriculture, or a related field. The award may be renewed for up to three additional years for a total possible award of $12,000 per recipient.

- Lou Ann Putnam Harrold Memorial Scholarship Fund (Hardin County): A perpetual fund that provides ongoing scholarship support to Hardin County individuals, reducing financial barriers for those pursuing agricultural careers or workforce training in related fields.

- Bruce and Carlene Patterson Agricultural Scholarship: A perpetual scholarship to support individuals entering agriculture or related fields and to help them obtain training to expand their skills. Application deadlines for this fund occur twice a year — March 31 and Oct. 31.

- Yvonne Lesicko Memorial Scholarship: Established in memory of Yvonne Lesicko, Ohio Farm Bureau’s vice president of public policy (deceased 2020). Income from the endowment awards scholarships to students studying agricultural and environmental policy or related areas such as food production, scientific research, education/outreach, policymaking, advocacy, or leadership development for women.

- Bill and Helen Swank Scholarship: Created to honor Dr. C. William Swank, who served as Ohio Farm Bureau executive vice president from 1968–1996. During his 40-year Farm Bureau career, Swank guided organizational growth while maintaining a focus on the economic and social well-being of farm families.

- Richard & Carole Cocks Scholarship: Awards recognize students for scholastic effort, strong work ethic, community involvement and career goals that strengthen Ohio agriculture.

- Joseph Kelly Memorial Scholarship (established 2018): An annual, merit-based award honoring Joseph Kelly’s legacy of generosity and service. This scholarship is for students from Lorain County pursuing agriculture-related degrees.

- Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Scholar Award: Honors students whose academics, community service and career interests promote stronger connections between producers and consumers across rural, suburban and urban communities.

- John C. “Jack” Fisher Scholarship: Named for Fisher, who embraced Murray Lincoln’s words — “People have within their own hands the tools to fashion their own destiny.” Funding is provided through the Fisher Fund for Lifelong Learning to help people gain the tools for a more fulfilling life.

- Kenny Walter Scholarship: Named for Kenny Walter, who devoted 34 years to Ohio Farm Bureau. This award supports postsecondary agriculture students from Farm Bureau families in the 29 northeastern counties Walter served as a regional supervisor and organization director.

- Darwin Bryan Scholarship Fund (established 1985): Created in honor of Darwin R. Bryan for his 37 years of enthusiastic service to Ohio Farm Bureau. The fund assists students active in Farm Bureau youth programs and/or whose parents are Farm Bureau members.

- Mularcik Welding Scholarship (Summit County): Established by Brad Mularcik, a longtime Summit County Farm Bureau member, to support Summit County students pursuing a career in welding and to encourage attention to the skilled trades.

- Cindy Hollingshead Scholarship (established 2011): Named for Cynthia Anne (Cindy) Hollingshead in recognition of her 39 years of service as Ohio Farm Bureau’s executive secretary and her community volunteerism. It supports students aiming for careers in agriculture, community service or association leadership.

- The Ohio Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association Scholarship: Supported by the nonprofit trade association representing about 2,500 thoroughbred owners and trainers who race at Ohio’s three commercial thoroughbred tracks. The scholarship assists students planning careers in food or agriculture.

- Dr. David A. Benfield Scholarship Fund (established 2019): Created by colleagues and friends to honor Benfield’s 17 years as associate director of OARDC and associate vice president and director of the Wooster Campus in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. This award is designated for students studying livestock and crop sciences at ATI.

Additional information
- Many county Farm Bureaus also maintain their own local scholarship programs. See the full list of statewide and county opportunities at ofbf.org/foundation/scholarships.
- For details about any foundation scholarship, contact Kelly Warner at kwarner@ofbf.org.

About the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation
The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation is dedicated to inspiring and educating the next generation of agricultural professionals to ensure continued progress and prosperity for Ohio agriculture. Through scholarships, educational programming and grants, the foundation creates pathways for young people to discover career possibilities in agriculture and helps build a prepared, passionate workforce to support Ohio’s agricultural communities.

Media inquiries
This release is provided for journalists. Direct media questions to Ty Higgins at 614-246-8231 or thiggins@ofbf.org.