$1 million in scholarships awarded to 143 FFA members pursuing broad range of agriculture-related studies and trade professions
BRENTWOOD, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#FFA–Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, announced today the second class of FFA Future Leaders Scholarship recipients, totaling 143 students from 35 states. The Tractor Supply Foundation, in partnership with the National FFA Organization, established the scholarship in 2022 with a $5 million commitment over five years, making it the largest agriculture scholarship fund of its kind.
“Our second class of FFA Future Leaders scholars continues to impress, both through their academic achievements and their passion and commitment to Life Out Here,” said Marti Skold-Jordan, manager of the Tractor Supply Foundation and National FFA Foundation Sponsors’ Board member. “This group demonstrates a remarkable range of pursuits, from bioengineering and agricultural education to horticulture and agricultural mechanics, reflecting their desire to define their futures on their own terms. We are thrilled to support such an inspiring group and are eager to see what the future holds for them.”
The second class of FFA Future Leaders scholars highlights the growing popularity of careers in the skilled trades, an area that remains in high demand. Eighty-nine $5,000 scholarships were awarded to students attending trade schools or two-year colleges, a quarter of which declared their intended major as welding. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, spring 2024 undergraduate enrollment surged at community colleges with a high vocational program focus, growing 17.6 percent over fall 2023 and surpassing pre-pandemic enrollment by 6.1 percent. Community colleges in general added 200,000 students from spring 2023 to spring 2024, students like these $5,000 scholarship recipients:
Annalisa Gonzalez from Spring Valley, California, who is attending Cuyamaca Community College to receive an associate’s degree in agricultural law.
Madison MacLeod from Mendon, Massachusetts, who is studying to receive a certificate in agricultural mechanics for a career as a diesel technician.
Aiden McLemore from Spiro, Oklahoma, who is pursuing an associate’s degree in engineering technology with the hope of being a high voltage line technician.
The second class of FFA Future Leaders also includes 54 students who received $10,000 scholarships to pursue agriculture-related four-year majors, including animal science, agricultural business, plant science and beyond. Recipients include:
Devon Hulsey from Temple, Texas, who is studying agricultural business and economics at Texas A&M University.
Macie McPeak from Ripon, California, who is studying plant and soil science at Oklahoma State University.
Lance Willen from Burkesville, Kentucky, who is attending Western Kentucky University with plans to one day be a high school agriculture teacher and FFA advisor.
Scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to interview for career opportunities at Tractor Supply stores or distribution centers while pursuing their education. Additionally, Tractor Supply has earmarked internships at its Store Support Center in Brentwood, Tennessee for scholarship recipients.
Destiny Barron, a member of the inaugural class of FFA Future Leaders Scholars, recently completed a summer internship with Tractor Supply’s marketing department. She is studying agricultural service and development with a minor in agricultural communications.
“The FFA Future Leaders Scholarship has opened so many doors for me,” Destiny said. “The scholarship itself has given me the financial support I needed to pursue my education, while the connections it created with Tractor Supply have led to this invaluable internship experience, enabling me to see firsthand the opportunities available after graduation.”
FFA Future Leaders Scholarships are facilitated by customer donations made at checkout, either in Tractor Supply stores or online at TractorSupply.com. The fundraiser for the next class of FFA Future Leaders Scholars will run from October 30-November 10, 2024.
“Tractor Supply, a partner since 1985, continues to help FFA members on their paths to career success,” said Molly Ball, president of the National FFA Foundation and chief marketing officer of the National FFA Organization. “In year two, the Future Leaders Scholarship Fund is helping 143 FFA members become our future leaders in agriculture. We are grateful that Tractor Supply has chosen to support these students who are going into the trades and pursuing two- and four-year degrees.”
Applications for the FFA Future Leaders Scholarship by Tractor Supply will open on November 1, 2024. Eligibility is limited to FFA members. For more information or to apply for the scholarship, visit https://www.ffa.org/participate/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships/.
$10,000 Scholarship Winners (Four-Year Majors)
State
City
First
Name
Last Name
Institution
Name
Intended Major
AZ
Arlington
Lute
Sawyer
University of South Dakota
Theater
AZ
Yuma
Cadence
Patterson
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Psychology
AZ
Yuma
Ryan
Martinez
University of Arizona
Agribusiness
AZ
Yuma
Tyler
Martinez
University of Arizona
Chemistry
CA
Avila Beach
Emily
Pan
University of California – San Diego
Bioengineering
CA
Fallbrook
Madilyn
Golden
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Animal Science
CA
Galt
Sarah
Reece
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Agriculture Sciences
CA
Live Oak
Quinn
Stafford
Oklahoma State University – Main Campus
Animal Science
CA
Ripon
Macie
McPeak
Oklahoma State University – Main Campus
Plant and Soil Science
CA
Santa Rosa
Emily
Maners
Texas A & M University
Agricultural Communications
CT
Lincoln
Samantha
Weeder
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Agribusiness
IL
Athens
Emma
Wiker
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Agricultural Communications
IL
Cambridge
Miranda
Reed
Iowa State University
Agriculture
KS
Buhler
Amos
Harder
Bethel College at North Newton
Biology
KS
Parsons
Reagan
Roberts
Pittsburg State University
Education
KS
Russell
Hannah
Gideon
Fort Hays State University
Environmental Geoscience
KY
Burkesville
Lance
Willen
Western Kentucky University
Agricultural Education/Animal Science
LA
Sulphur
Jaycie
O’Conner
Louisiana State University at Alexandria
Nursing
MN
Waverly
Wyatt
Glessing
South Dakota State University
Agriculture
MO
Boonville
Katelyn
Smith
Murray State University
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
MO
Hermann
Macy
Bader
University of Missouri – Columbia
Plant and Soil Science
MT
Kalispell
Evan
Heupel
Montana State University – Bozeman
Agricultural Education
MT
Kalispell
Luke
Heupel
Montana State University
Agricultural Education
NE
Ord
Vickie
Ference
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Agricultural Education
NE
Seward
Emma
Kuss
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Horticulture
NE
Seward
Rachel
Kuss
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Biology
NE
Trumbull
Harrison
Sjuts
Doane University
Education
NV
Spring Creek
Rachel
Kalvelage
West Texas A&M University
Animal Science
OH
Felicity
Joanna
Hamilton
Northern Kentucky University
Nursing
OH
Genoa
Gracie
Sprague
The Ohio State University
Agricultural Education
OH
Hamilton
Makayla
Krazl
Miami University
Architecture
OR
Shady Cove
Grace
Davenport
Oregon State University
Animal Biology
TN
Lafayette
Delaney
Turner
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Agricultural Education
TN
Mason
William
Martin
Mississippi State University
Animal Science
TX
Chico
Brodie
Childs
Texas Tech University
Animal Science
TX
Garrison
Rylee
Blacksher
Stephen F. Austin State University
Agricultural Education
TX
Gilmer
Ava
Fenton
Texas A & M University
Health Science Studies
TX
Graford
Emilee
Munchrath
Texas Tech University
Agricultural Education
TX
Houston
Braedon
Raven
Texas A & M University
Agricultural Systems Management
TX
Karnes City
Katharine
Porter
West Texas A&M University
Agricultural Education
TX
League City
Sophia
Dykes
Texas A & M University
Agricultural Communications
TX
Lubbock
Ashlynn
Messer
Texas Tech University
Food Science & Technology
TX
Prosper
Ashley
Manganilla
Texas A & M University
Animal Science
TX
Seguin
Kase
Kelso
Texas A&M University
Agribusiness
TX
Seguin
Luke
Anderson
West Texas A&M University
Plant and Soil Science
TX
Temple
Devon
Hulsey
Texas A & M University
Agricultural Business
TX
Tomball
Elizabeth
Gaus-Schmidt
Texas A & M University
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
TX
Trinity
Brody
Thornton
West Texas A&M University
Agricultural Business
TX
Willis
Lauren
Klawinsky
Texas A & M University
Agricultural Engineering
UT
Delta
Paiton
Christensen
Southern Utah University
Business Administration
WA
Redmond
Ella
Menter
Washington State University
Agricultural Education
WI
Casco
Savannah
Bailey
Iowa State University
Agricultural Education/Animal Science
WI
Stratford
Emma
Bangart
University of Wisconsin – River Falls
Dairy Science
WY
Cheyenne
Katherine
Olson
University of Wyoming
Animal Science
$5,000 Scholarship Winners (Trade Schools/Two-Year Colleges)
State
City
First
Name
Last Name
Institution
Name
Intended Major
AL
Rainbow City
Ashlyn
Bailey
Gadsden State Community College
Undeclared
AZ
Benson
Trey
Poulsen
Cochise College
Business Management
AZ
Benson
Tristan
Goodwin
Cochise College
Agricultural Education/Animal Science
AZ
Rio Rico
Eduardo
Madrid
Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc
Welding
CA
Hamilton City
Jazmin
Ponce
Butte College
Health Care Administration
CA
Julian
Wesley
Gratzer
WyoTech – Laramie
Diesel Mechanics
CA
Penngrove
Joseph
Jensen
Butte College
Welding
CA
Spring Valley
Annalisa
Gonzalez
Cuyamaca Community College
Agricultural Law
CO
Akron
Molly
Porteus
Colby Community College
Criminal Justice
CO
Calhan
Antone
Sellers
ATP Flight Academy
Avionics
CO
Collbran
Rusty
Junge
WyoTech – Laramie
Agricultural Mechanics
CO
Limon
Jazzlynn
Rosler
Galveston College
Cosmetology
CO
Rifle
Addison
Ellibee
Colorado Northwestern Community College
Dental Hygiene
CO
Sterling
Brennen
Welsh
Northeastern Junior College
Not Declared/Recorded
FL
Alachua
Aileen
Caballero
Summit Salon Academy – Gainesville
Cosmetology
FL
Lake Butler
Tanner
Connell
Florida Gateway College
Agricultural Business
IA
Ottosen
Cortlyn
Schupbach
Iowa Central Community College
Diesel Mechanics
ID
Salmon
Keelan
Cooper
Treasure Valley Community College
Avionics
IL
Brownstown
Abbi
Ledbetter
Black Hawk College-Community Education Center/Welding and Skilled Trades Center
Welding
IL
Cissna Park
Tyler
Neukomm
Parkland College
Diesel Mechanics
IL
Cissna Park
Luke
Petry
Iowa Lakes Community College – Emmetsburg Campus
Not Declared/Recorded
IL
East Dubuque
Nick
Handfelt
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Welding
IL
Greenville
Hunter
Clark
Missouri Welding Institute
Welding
IL
Ramsey
Kendal
Pease
Performance Training Solutions
Not Declared/Recorded
IL
Thompsonville
Cole
Davis
John A Logan College Carterville
Arts and Sciences
IL
Watseka
Kaylie
Lange
Missouri Welding Institution
Welding
IN
Tipton
Cooper
Altherr
Hobart Institute of Welding Technology
Welding
KS
Allen
Sadie
Bathurst
Bellus Academy
Cosmetology
KS
Burlington
Hunter
Reiling
Iron Eagle Welding Academy
Welding
KS
Hutchinson
Jaelyn
Anderson
Hutchinson Community College
Welding
KS
Paola
Eli
Meyers
Manhattan Area Technical College
Electrical Engineering
KS
Salina
Wayne
Elder
Salina Area Technical College
Diesel Mechanics
KY
Bowling Green
Hannah
Furlong
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
Medical Technology
KY
Cecilia
Noah
Pence
Lineman school
Electronic Education
KY
Fancy Farm
Joseph
Wilson
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
Diesel Mechanics
KY
Morganfield
Rhagan
Thomas
Kentucky Welding Institute
Welding
KY
Munfordville
Emily
Hawkins
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
Nursing
KY
Uniontown
Jacob
Gough
Parkland college
Agricultural Mechanics
LA
Iowa
Dale
Johnson
Oklahoma Horseshoeing School
Agriculture Undecided
LA
Noble
Christopher
Williams
Tulsa Welding School & Technology Center
Welding
MA
Mendon
Madison
MacLeod
Milton Caterpillar Diesel Technician Apprenticeship Program
Agricultural Mechanics
MI
Grand Ledge
Ryleigh
Mauk
UA Local 219 Plumbers and Pipefitters
Computer Engineering
MI
Marion
Karma
Levine
Douglas J Aveda Institute
Cosmetology
MI
Pigeon
Heidi
Keim
Ferris State University
Dental Hygiene
MN
Hancock
Titus
Bjerketvedt
North Dakota State College of Science
Land Surveying Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree
MN
Pipestone
Jenna
Boeke
Southeast Technical Institute
Medical Technology
MO
Bogard
Raegan
Schlueter
Iron Eagle Welding Academy
Welding
MO
Boonville
Seth
Timm
State Technical College of Missouri
Civil Engineering
MO
Conception Junction
Brandon
McQueen
State Technical College of Missouri
Industrial Distribution
MO
Dover
Mary
Adkins
Ozark Technical Community College – Richwood Valley
Welding
MO
Everton
Kenzie
Sartin
Midwest Technical Institute
Welding
MO
Mora
Tyler
Howard
State Technical College of Missouri
General Studies
MO
Vandalia
Courtney
Kraft
State Technical College of Missouri
Dental Hygiene
MO
West Plains
Hattie
Patillo
Southern Missouri Technical Institute
Surgical Technology
MO
Weston
Nolan
Cook
Southeast Community College – Milford
Agricultural Mechanics
MS
Golden
MacKenna
King
Northeast Mississippi Community College
Dental Hygiene
MT
Sheridan
Gunnar
Decker
Montana State University – Northern
Diesel Mechanics
MT
Willow Creek
Alecia
Gonzalez
Highlands College of Montana Tech
Welding
NC
Clayton
Hayden
Hocutt
Johnston Community College
Agricultural Business
NE
Alma
Brett
Pfeil
WyoTech – Laramie
Diesel Mechanics
NE
Guide Rock
Kyle
Hubl
Northeast Community College
Construction Science
NE
Syracuse
Jack
Kreifels
Southeast Community College – Milford
Non-Destructive Testing
NM
Carrizozo
Riley
Gallacher
WyoTech – Laramie
Diesel Mechanics
OH
Delphos
Wyatt
Friedrich
Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute
Horticulture
OH
Felicity
Haley
Broadwell
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Business Marketing
OH
Mount Orab
Levi
Holden
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Construction Science
OH
West Salem
Haley
Caldwell
Stark State College
Physical Therapy
OK
Spiro
Aiden
McLemore
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology – Okmulgee
Engineering Technology
OR
Central Point
Lexus
Downing
Oregon Institute of Technology
Medical Technology
PA
Bellefonte
Savannah
Ring
Triangle tech Chambersburg
Welding
PA
Millmont
Katelynn
Sauers
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Floriculture
SD
Conde
Dustin
Dirksen
Lake Area Technical College
Welding
SD
Milbank
Landon
Novy
Western Welding Academy
Welding
SD
Mitchell
Ally
Henkel
Mitchell
Agricultural Business
SD
Oral
Kyle
Sanders
Mitchell Technical College
Industrial Systems
TX
Bovina
Elijah
Robledo
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology – Okmulgee
Agricultural Mechanics
TX
Temple
Shelby
Darden
Temple College
Pre-medicine-Pre-Pharmacy
VA
Danville
Davis
Ince
Danville Community College
Industrial Technology
VA
Winchester
Emile
Shell
Lord Fairfax Community College
Healthcare Studies
WA
Selah
Natalee
Barnett
Oklahoma Horse Shoeing School
Animal Science
WA
Valley
Haylee
Frizzell
Laramie County Community College
Agribusiness
WI
Burlington
Alyssa
Nowak
Gateway Community and Technical College
Welding
WI
Randolph
Jackson
Sadoski
WyoTech – Laramie
Agricultural Mechanics
WI
River Falls
Keirka
Kretzmann
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Welding
WI
Wauzeka
Andrew
Udelhoven
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Undeclared
WI
Wrightstown
Rachel
Boeder
Fox Valley Technical College
Welding
WY
Cheyenne
Shawn
Basart
Laramie County Community College
Welding
WY
Lyman
Clara
France
Sheridan College
Dental Hygiene
WY
Weston
Naomi
Gensrich
Northern Wyoming Community College District – Sheridan College
Agricultural Business
About The Tractor Supply Company Foundation
The Tractor Supply Company Foundation is committed to supporting vibrant rural communities for all by investing in the future of Life Out Here through today’s youth and being a good neighbor in the communities Tractor Supply calls home. Founded in 2020, the Foundation’s priority areas include supporting agriculture education initiatives through longstanding partnerships with FFA and 4-H, caring for pets and animals and preserving land for future generations. The Foundation expands upon the charitable work of Tractor Supply Company, supporting causes that are important to customers and Team Members. In 2023, the Company donated nearly $16 million through direct giving, sponsorships, fundraisers and more. To learn more about The Tractor Supply Company Foundation, visit Corporate.TractorSupply.com/Community.
About Tractor Supply Company
For more than 85 years, Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO) has been passionate about serving the needs of recreational farmers, ranchers, homeowners, gardeners, pet enthusiasts and all those who enjoy living Life Out Here. Tractor Supply is the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S., ranking 293 on the Fortune 500. The Company’s more than 50,000 Team Members are known for delivering legendary service and helping customers pursue their passions, whether that means being closer to the land, taking care of animals or living a hands-on, DIY lifestyle. In store and online, Tractor Supply provides what customers need – anytime, anywhere, any way they choose at the low prices they deserve.
As of June 29, 2024, the Company operated 2,254 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states. For more information on Tractor Supply, visit www.tractorsupply.com.
Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense by Tractor Supply, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer providing products and services for pet owners. As of June 29, 2024, the Company operated 205 Petsense by Tractor Supply stores in 23 states. For more information on Petsense by Tractor Supply, visit www.Petsense.com.
About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,027,200 student members as part of 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.
About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations, and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders, and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.
Contacts
Tricia Whittemore (615) 440-4410
Mary Winn Pilkington (615) 440-4212
corporatecommunications@tractorsupply.com