More than one-third of the state’s county Federations have joined the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation in offering Auburn University or Alabama A&M University students an extra incentive to make the grade – a $1,750 scholarship.

“Quite a few county Federations offer their own scholarships to students, and we appreciate efforts encouraging students to pursue careers in agriculture,” explained Organization Department Director Mike Tidwell. “Counties may continue those programs. What the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation offers is an additional $1,250 to counties that commit $500 to the Foundation.”

Tidwell said 24 counties have pledged support since the new scholarship plan was approved in September.

“Together, we’re proud to support agricultural education opportunities,” he added. “This investment in Alabama’s students is the right thing for the future of the state’s largest industry.”

Students who wish to apply for scholarships at participating universities must be Federation members or, if under the age of 25, the child of a Federation member; exhibit good moral character and citizenship; and exhibit excellent academic potential. Applicants must be enrolled at Auburn University or Alabama A&M as full-time students with a declared agricultural, forestry or pre-veterinary major. Scholarships may be renewed annually if students meet requirements and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. Payments will be made directly to the university and applied to students’ tuition accounts.

Applications are due Feb. 1 for the 2014 school year. To apply, visit AlfaFarmers.org/scholarships. Contact local Federation offices with questions.