Clone of 25HS Scholarship Application Form

NILE Foundation Scholarship program
2026 High School Scholarship Guidelines

Open to HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS. Please read all guidelines thoroughly!
The following scholarships shall be awarded to applicants selected by NILE:

• One-time scholarship: Awarded to high school seniors and college students that meet the qualifications listed in the guidelines.

• Shining Star: All qualified applicants are eligible. This scholarship is for an applicant that stands out in the crowd.

• NILE Legacy Award - Offered to students that have been very active in various NILE events from the time they were young!

• Hugh F. Miller Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of long time NILE Member, Hugh Miller. A scholarship will be awarded in his memory.

• Rolling scholarships will be offered to a select group of High School Seniors who will have the opportunity to renew the scholarship yearly, up to four years of their secondary education. Recipients of rolling scholarships will be chosen from the pool of applicants that are current seniors in High School. These awards are in the amount of $1,000 annually**

**The rolling scholarships are renewable for up to 4 years, for a total scholarship of $4,000 as long as recipient remains in good standing and adheres to additional requirements.

Applicant Qualifications:
1. Must have participated in NILE activities and be currently enrolled in a 4-H or FFA program
2. Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) 2.5 or equivalent
3. Must be a graduating high school senior planning to attend a two or four-year college, university or vocational school in the academic year 2026-2027.
4. Be continually enrolled as a full-time student at their school of choice
Payment of Scholarships:
Scholarship awards will be mailed directly to the college for application to tuition and fees in the school year 2026-2027. Scholarship recipients must submit a completed “Scholarship Acceptance Form” which will be mailed to recipient with letter of scholarship award. This form must be returned to the NILE Foundation office no later than July 1, 2026. Scholarships not accepted by that date will be forfeited.

Application Deadline and Selection Process:
1. The original application plus the required attachments should be submitted via email no later than March 1, 2026! NO HARD COPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
2. Final selection of scholarship recipients will be made in April 2026.
3. The candidate must submit a properly completed official NILE scholarship application with the following components.
  1. Two (2) letters of reference - these letters can be from teachers, ministers, employers or other persons well acquainted with, but not related to, the applicant.
  2. An official transcript of grades (current to time of application) from applicant’s high school, which includes official stamp and class rank.
  3. One (1) Photo of the applicant for publication purposes. Graduation or senior picture is ideal. Photo may be color or black and white. Photo must be high resolution (files accepted are .jpg & .png).
4. Selection of the scholarship recipients is based on NILE participation, academic achievement, community involvement and need. Evaluation of scholarship applications and subsequent ranking of applicants shall be the sole responsibility of a designated NILE committee. Neatness in preparation of the application shall be considered.
Additional Requirements:
- Scholarship recipients selected will be asked to attend a scholarship fundraiser for the NILE Foundation to be held on May 1, 2026 in Billings, MT.
- Signatures acknowledging the Application Statements from applicant, parent, & principal in addition to signed Media Release. Unsigned releases will not be considered for a scholarship.
- Recipients of the scholarships will be notified in April 2026. Funds for the scholarship will be handled through the NILE Office and will be sent directly to the college or university that the recipient plans to attend. It is imperative that recipients notify NILE of acceptance by their chosen college or university and meet the requirements specified in the NILE scholarship policies.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR CONSIDERATION, WILL NOT BE RETURNED TO THE APPLICANT, AND MAY NOT BE RE-SUBMITTED.

NILE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN March 1, 2026. No Hard Copies Will Be Accepted.

Questions should be directed to the NILE Office at 406-256-2499 or shelby@thenile.org

Applicant's Information
Applicant Name*

First NameLast Name
Home Address*

Street Address

Apt/Unit #

CityState

Zip Code
County of Residence*
E-mail*
Please provide a valid, regularly checked email address
Mobile Phone Number*
Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
Date
Where do you live?*

Farm/RanchRural, Non-FarmSmall TownCity
Father/Guardian*

NameOccupation
Mother/Guardian*

NameOccupation
Brothers/Sisters*

Number of SiblingsAges of Siblings
Are any siblings currently attending college?*

YesNo
If siblings are attending college, please explain:*
Are you currently or have you been a NILE Youth Member?*
All membership statuses will be verified before scholarship selection.
If Yes, please list year(s) you have been a Youth Member*
Please list exact years you have been a member (ex. 2021-2025)
Is your family currently or have been a NILE Member?*
All membership statuses will be verified before scholarship selection.
If Yes, please list year(s) they have been a NILE Member*
Please list exact years your family has been a member (ex. 2021-2025)

Academic Information
Name of High School from which you will graduate:*
Name of High School Principal:*
Example: Mr. Joe Smith
Email Address of High School Principal*
Mailing Address of High School*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number of High School:*
Date of Graduation:*

MonthDayYear
Number in Graduating Class:*
Rank In Class:*
Example: 3 of 45
Cumulative GPA*
SAT or ACT Score*
Have you applied for admission to a college or university?*

YesNo
Name of College/University*
List the College(s)/University(ies) where you've applied. If undecided, please insert "Undecided"
Location of College/University*
City, State of College/University in which you plan to attend
Have you been accepted?*

YesNo
Proposed College Major*
If undecided, please input "Undecided"
Proposed Career Plan*
If undecided, please input "Undecided"
List below any other scholarships for which you have applied. Please include the Name of the Scholarship, Scholarship Amount and whether the award has been confirmed. *
Name of 4-H Club and years of involvement? *

If you have not been involved in 4-H, please insert N/A0/600
Name of FFA Chapter and years of involvement? *

If you have not been involved in FFA, please insert N/A0/600

NILE & Agricultural Involvement

Please explain each in detail.
Please tell us about your NILE INVOLVEMENT (how were you involved, years, specific responsibilities/activities, animals shown, etc.)*
Please tell us about your LEADERSHIP (describe the organization, positions held, responsibilities, when you participated, etc.)*
Please tell us about your ACTIVITIES (organizations, special interest groups, clubs, volunteer positions; please describe involvement and time commitment)*
Statement of Financial Need (Explain why you NEED or WANT this scholarship and why you feel you are a good candidate for selection). *
Keep in mind, this is your chance as an applicant to share with the Scholarship Committee why YOU are the best candidate to receive a scholarship! Think about how to convey your response in a way that would set you apart from other candidates.

Required Uploads
Upload Letter of Reference #1*

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Upload Letter of Reference #2*

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Upload Official Stamped & Signed Transcript *

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Upload High Resolution Photo (.jpg or .png files accepted)*

Cancelof

Signature Page
Photo, Video, & Social Media Release Form

I hereby consent to release for publication my name and/or photo(s) and /or video images submitted by the Scholarship Applicant or taken by any authorized Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) employee, or any media representative for news and/or publicity purposes. This may include television, newspaper, magazine article, social media sites (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, etc.) and/or NILE publications (newsletters, brochures, NILE Web Page, etc.). I also agree to allow the publication or broadcast of my name in connection with any photo(s) and/or video images taken, and I understand that photos and /or videos for the media and /or World Wide Web may be used in publications and /or Web sites outside of NILE’s control.

I further acknowledge that I will not be compensated for these uses and the NILE owns all rights to the images, videos, and recordings, and to any derivative works created from them.

I waive any right to inspect the uses of any printed or electronic copy. I hereby release the NILE from any claims that may arise from these uses, including without limitation claims of defamation or invasion of privacy, or of infringement of moral rights or rights of publicity or copyright.
Printed Name of Applicant*
Signature of Applicant *

Clear
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Printed Name of Parent/Guardian*
Signature of Parent/Guardian (if applicant is under 18 at time of application)*

Clear
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Application Submission Signatures

Signatures are required by each individual in order for application to be considered complete. High School Principals will be contacted to verify signature.
STATEMENT BY APPLICANT:

I hereby certify that if granted, I will use this scholarship toward payment of tuition and fees or other expenses at the school of my choice. I have reviewed this application and attached transcript to find the records true and accurate. To this end, I agree to the terms and conditions set forth in this application, and the information submitted is complete and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that false statements on this application will disqualify me from receiving a scholarship.
Signature of Applicant *

Clear
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
STATEMENT BY PARENT:

I/We have examined, reviewed, and read this application to find the records true, accurate and complete.
Signature of Parent/Guardian *

Clear
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
NILE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED
NO LATER THAN March 1, 2026. No Hard Copies Will Be Accepted.
Questions? Contact: shelby@thenile.org
Please verify that you are human*
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NILE Foundation Scholarship program

2026 High School Scholarship Guidelines

Applicant's Information

Academic Information

NILE & Agricultural Involvement

Required Uploads

Signature Page

Application Submission Signatures