The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation awarded ten scholarships to students enrolled in the Agricultural Education Teaching Program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL).
According to Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, “Classrooms and FFA chapters will benefit from the passion reflected in this year’s applications, and “it is an honor to support these future teachers who will develop strong leaders to ensure a bright future for Nebraska agriculture.”
Each recipient will receive a $1,500 scholarship during his or her student teaching semester at the university. Applicants shared why they wanted to be an agricultural education teacher, their professional goals for the future, and what the scholarship would mean to them.
With 218 schools offering high school agricultural education programs and FFA chapters, demand for teachers has never been stronger,” according to Matt Kreifels, associate professor of practice in agricultural education at UNL. Kreifels said, “These teachers serve a vital role in agriculture by introducing and recruiting talented students to the industry. Kreifels thanked the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation for supporting these future teachers through this scholarship program and the Farm Bureau for helping to promote the profession of agricultural education. UNL has seen an increase in the number of students entering this profession. Nebraska Farm Bureau, its members, and the Foundation are supporting the future of Nebraska agriculture by investing in these young teachers.”
The scholarship recipients from the KCNI/KBBN listening area are Vickie Ference, Valley County, and Kate Holcomb, Custer County.
The mission of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. For more information about the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, visit www.nefbfoundation.org.
