The purpose of the MAELC Undergraduate Agricultural Education scholarship program is to award scholarships to undergraduate students studying Agricultural Education with the intent of becoming a licensed agriculture teacher. With a shortage of high school agriculture teachers, there is a tremendous need in Minnesota and nationally for professionals trained in Agricultural Education.
This scholarship program is currently closed. Check back in October, 2025!
Eligibility - Minnesota Agricultural Education-Teacher Licensure students who are student teaching between Fall 2025-Spring 2027 are eligible to apply. Previous scholarship recipients are eligible to receive this scholarship more than once. You must be registered as a full-time student and attending Southwest Minnesota State University, the University of Minnesota–Crookston, or the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities at the time the scholarship is disbursed.
Selection - A MAELC scholarship committee will review applications and select scholarship winners. Scholarship recipients will be selected upon their academic merit, leadership activities, and commitment to become an agricultural educaiton teacher, as well as financial need. Scholarship amounts will be put directly into student accounts in September 2025 and January 2026 and may affect recipients’ financial aid package.
Funding - Average scholarship award ranges between $1,000-$2,000.
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 - Be prepared to answer the following questions (300-word limit per question):
- What inspired you to choose the agricultural educaiton teaching profession as your career path?
- How are you paying for your college education? (work, grants, loans, family, etc.) Are there any special circumstances or issues you would like the committee to know about?
- What experiences have you had in your undergraduate career to help maintain/grow your passion to become an agriculture teacher?
- What are your career plans after you graduate with an Agricultural Education degree?
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 - MAELC Undergraduate Agricultural Education Scholarship.
Questions can be directed to Kari Schwab, MAELC Program Coordinator, at opdah012@umn.edu or at (612) 624-6256.
2025-2026 Scholarship Winners
| Name | Hometown | School | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madison Douvier | Villard | Southwest Minnesota State University | $2,500 |
| Noah Erickson | Cyrus | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | $1,500 |
| Henry Koerner | Walworth, WI | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | $2,000 |
| Katelyn Larson | Middle River | University of Minnesota - Crookston | $1,250 |
| Jayma Lawson | Staples | University of Minnesota - Crookston | $1,250 |
| Hannah Meyer | Kiester | Southwest Minnesota State University | $1,250 |
| Abigail Monse | Aitkin | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | $1,250 |
| Allison Offerdahl | Park Rapids | University of Minnesota - Crookston | $2,500 |
| Morgan Pickett | Preston | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | $1,500 |
2024-2025 Scholarship Winners
| Name | Hometown | School | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brooke Converse | Motley | University of Minnesota - Crookston | $500 |
| Hailee Eidelbes | Thief River Falls | University of Minnesota - Crookston | $500 |
| Noah Erickson | Cyrus | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | $500 |
| Rena Johnson | Buffalo | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | $1,500 |
| Lily Krona | Bemidji | University of Minnesota - Crookston | $1,500 |
| Amara Livingston | Buffalo City, WI | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | $2,000 |
| Rebecca Meger | Webster | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | $1,500 |
| Allison Offerdahl | Park Rapids | University of Minnesota - Crookston | $2,000 |
| Morgan Pickett | Preston | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | $1,500 |
| Kaylee Rudolph | Royalton | University of Minnesota - Crookston | $1,500 |
| Taber Sheldrup | Mankato | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | $500 |
2023-2024 Scholarship Winners
| Name | Hometown | School | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kelsey Biel | Harmony | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | $2,500 |
| Rena Johnson | Buffalo | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | $1,500 |
| Karli Knopf | Brainerd | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | $2,500 |
| Amara Livingston | Buffalo City, WI | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | $2,000 |
| Rebecca Meger | Webster | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | $1,500 |
| Paige Stuber | Hugo | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | $2,500 |
| Emilee Xayanourom | Mountain Lake | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | $2,500 |