Incoming Freshmen or Transfer Students: Applications are due February 1, 2021.
Note - applications may be submitted prior to formal acceptance into an agricultural education-teacher licensure program.
Graduate Students: Applications will be accepted February 1, July 1, and November 1 each year to best coincide with the Master of Science (M.S.) Agricultural Education program deadlines.
Note - applications may be submitted prior to formal acceptance into the Initial or Additional Licensure program.
The purpose of the MAELC Diversity Scholarship is to provide financial support for students from underrepresented groups in the agriculture teacher field. A severe shortage of high school agriculture teachers exists in Minnesota and nationally. As a result, there is a tremendous need for more students to become licensed to teach agricultural education. In addition, the trend of a more diverse student population attending Minnesota’s schools reinforces the need to recruit and support prospective agricultural education teachers with diverse ethnic, racial, economic and educational backgrounds and experiences. MAELC is committed to diversifying the agriculture teacher workforce.
Eligibility - Applicant must be entering their first year of an Agricultural Education-Teacher Licensure program at Southwest Minnesota State University, the University of Minnesota – Crookston, or the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. This includes incoming freshmen, transfer students (transferring colleges/universities or majors), and students entering the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Master of Science Initial or Additional Licensure program in Agricultural Education (http://ag-ed.cfans.umn.edu/graduate-students). Students from a traditionally underrepresented group in the agriculture teaching field are encouraged to apply. Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident who is firmly committed to teaching in Minnesota. Students are eligible to receive this scholarship once.
Selection - The MAELC scholarship committee will review applications and select individuals for interviews. After interviews are completed, the committee will name scholarship recipients. Selection criteria include academic merit, passion, and commitment to become an agricultural education teacher as well as financial need. Scholarship funds will be transferred directly into student accounts of successful applicants and may affect students’ financial aid package.
Funding - Scholarships awarded up to $5,000/recipient.
Materials - The application will require answering essay questions, and providing an unofficial transcript and resume.
Tips When Applying:
- Applications are reviewed for both content AND quality.
- Focus responses on your current intentions related to becoming an agriculture teacher. Be sure to add information about your plans to use your agricultural education degree after graduation.
- Remember that those reviewing the application do not know you –think about what you want the committee to know as to why you are deserving of this scholarship.
Application - Please be prepared to answer the following questions:
- What inspired you to choose the agricultural education teaching profession as your career path?
- How are you paying for your education? (work, loans, scholarships/fellowships, family, etc.) Are there any special circumstances or issues you would like the committee to know?
- Specify your teaching goals and how your collegiate studies relate to those goals. Include evidence of your passion and commitment to the agricultural education teaching profession.
- How do you see utilizing diversity to benefit the learning experiences of your students in the classroom?
Please note: it is highly encouraged applicants type all answers in a word-processor document, then copy and paste into the application.
A printable PDF of this information is available to download - Agricultural Education Diversity Scholarship.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the MAELC office at (612) 624-6256.