NJSA Scholarship Application

If you would like to a view a list of the available scholarships and information that can be found here:

 https://nationalswine.com/njsa/njsa-scholarships.php

The American Yorkshire Club was organized on April 1, 1893, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The office was first in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was moved to Valparaiso, Indiana, in 1948. The first club was a stock company. In 1948, the American Yorkshire Club was reorganized and became a membership organization. Then in 1994, the National Swine Registry was formed as a result of the consolidation of the American Yorkshire Club, the Hampshire Swine Registry and the United Duroc Swine Registry. In January 1998, the American Landrace Association joined the NSR. The AYC Board of Directors are dedicated to youth development and have established a scholarship. The American Yorkshire Club Scholarship has been founded to provide financial support to NJSA members that have a passion for the Yorkshire breed.

One (1) $1,000 Scholarship Awarded Per Year (At the discretion of the donor)

Due April 15 - Scholarship to be presented at the National Junior Summer Spectacular

Applicant Guidelines: Scholarship applicants must be members of the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA).

• Scholarship applicants must be an incoming freshman, sophomore or junior as of the upcoming fall semester enrolled in an agriculturally related field.
• Applicant must have shown Yorkshires at the County, State, or National level for a minimum of two years.
• Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation from a non-related industry professional, 4-H leader, FFA advisor or school teacher. Letters should be one page in length.

Applications will be scored by a committee selected by the NSR Director of Junior Shows. Scholarship recipients will be announced at the National Junior Summer Spectacular. Results will also be posted on the NSR website and in the August Seedstock EDGE issue.

Your scholarship application is considered complete when you submit each of the following:

• Scholarship application signed and dated.
• Two letters of recommendation from a non-related individual who has the knowledge of applicant’s academics, leadership activities, and community involvement.

Clay Zwilling, CEO of the NSR, along with his wife Deanna, graciously established this scholarship to help support future leaders in the agriculture industry and return support to the organization that has a significant meaning and impact to their family.

One (1) $1,000 Scholarship Awarded Per Year (At the discretion of the donor)

Due April 15- Scholarship to be presented at either the Exposition or National Junior Summer Spectacular

The intent of this scholarship is to recognize young people who have demonstrated leadership potential within the field of agriculture, and wish to continue to garner and develop their leadership abilities to serve the greater good.

SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES: Scholarship is open to ALL ages, but preference will be given to high school seniors or older.

• Scholarship applicants are encouraged to be members of the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA)
• Scholarship applicants are encouraged to be members of a livestock judging team and/or agriculture focused leadership group (FFA, 4-H, Collegiate Farm Bureau, etc,)
• Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation from an industry professional or academic personnel. (Must be non-related to the applicant.)

Each selection committee member shall independently review and score each application received and select the recipient based on the following criteria (in no particular order):

• Academics
• Extracurricular activities
• Industry Leadership activities
• Video Response (3-6 Minutes in Length)

Applications will be scored by the Zwilling Family. Scholarship recipients will be announced at the Exposition or the National Junior Summer Spectacular. Results will also be posted on the NSR website and in the August Seedstock EDGE issue.

Your scholarship application is considered complete when you submit each of the following:

• Scholarship application signed and dated.
• Two (one-page) letters of recommendation from a non-related industry professional or academic personnel.
• Video response to Question

Answer the following questions with a video response:

1. Describe a time or situation when you believe you demonstrated leadership.
2. If selected for the scholarship, how would you use the funds to develop your leadership skill set to benefit others?

One (1) $2,000 Awarded Per Year

• Due April 15 - Award to be presented at the National Junior Summer Spectacular Applicant Guidelines:
• Applicants must be members of the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA).
• Applicants must be 17-21 years of age (January 1st year awarded).
• Applicant must have demonstrated a passion for designing a breeding program utilizing purebred genetics of the four NSR breeds (Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace or Yorkshire).
• Award to be used as a $2,000 buying credit to purchase a pedigreed gilt or boar of the NSR breeds (Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace, or Yorkshire).
• Award is designed to assist future breeders in the development of a successful breeding program, utilizing purebred genetics.
• Buying credit of $2,000 may be used at an NSR conference sale or from a NSR breeder’s on-line sale or private treaty sale.
• Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation from a non-related industry professional, 4-H leader, or FFA advisor. Letters should be one page in length.

Applications will be scored by a committee selected by NSR staff. Winner will be announced at the National Junior Summer Spectacular. Results will also be posted on the NSR website and in the Seedstock EDGE.

Your scholarship application is considered complete when you submit each of the following:

Scholarship application signed and dated.
Two (one-page) letters of recommendation from a non-related industry professional or academic personnel.

After Dennis Wilber passed away, many friends, colleagues and industry enthusiasts reached out asking how or what could be done to honor him? After many thoughts, ideas, and discussion the decision was made to offer a Hampshire bred female owned by Dennis in the NSR Collector’s Edition to start a scholarship fund in his memory.

One (1) $1000 Scholarship Awarded Per Year
Due April 15

Dennis would truly want it to be no other way. Honestly, those who knew him well know he would not be the kind that wants attention, but if it was to support a junior swine program and youth of the industry, he’d be all about it!

One $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a deserving Hampshire enthusiast that exhibits leadership characteristics in the livestock or agricultural industry.
Applicant Guidelines:

• Scholarship applicants must be members of the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA).
• Scholarship is open to ALL ages, but preference will be given to high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.
• Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation from an industry professional or academic personnel. (Must be non-related to the applicant.)
• Applicant must have shown Hampshires at the County, State, or National level for a minimum of two years.

Each selection committee member shall independently review and score each application received and select the recipient based on the following criteria:

• Essay Responses
• Academics
• Leadership activities

Applications will be scored by a committee organized by NSR staff. Scholarship recipients will be announced at the National Junior Summer Spectacular. Results will also be posted on the NSR website and in the August Seedstock EDGE issue.

Your scholarship application is considered complete when you submit each of the following:

• Scholarship application signed and dated.
• Two letters of recommendation from a non-related industry professional, school teacher, 4-H leader, or FFA adviser who has knowledge of applicant’s livestock industry involvement.

Everett Forkner and his Family have generously agreed to establish the Forkner Family Visionary Leadership Fund to support future scholarship and leadership programs of the National Junior Swine Association.

One (1) $1,000 Scholarship Awarded Per Year

Due April 15

This scholarship is meant to help young people interested in working with pigs and remaining as successful contributors of the industry.

SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES:

• Scholarship applicants are encouraged to be members of a livestock judging team and/or livestock leadership group.
• Scholarship applicants are encouraged to be members of the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA).
• Scholarship applicants must be an incoming freshman, sophomore or junior as of the upcoming fall semester enrolled in an agriculturally related field.
• Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation from an industry professional or academic personnel. (Must be non-related to the applicant.)

Each selection committee member shall independently review and score each application received and select the recipient based on the following criteria:

• Academics
• Extracurricular activities
• Industry Leadership activities

Applications will be scored by a committee that includes a member of the Forkner family. Scholarship recipients will be announced at the National Junior Summer Spectacular. Results will also be posted on the NSR website and in the August Seedstock EDGE issue.

Your scholarship application is considered complete when you submit each of the following:

• Scholarship application signed and dated.
• Two (one-page) letters of recommendation from a non-related industry professional or academic personnel.
• Video response to Question

The Exchange is a multi-specie event, founded by Kennedy Ventures, to provide a platform for the promotion and marketing of livestock within the show industry. Todd and Blake Kennedy along with “The Friends of The Exchange” wish to offer a scholarship through the National Junior Swine Association that will be awarded to a deserving individual demonstrating leadership potential across species.

One (1) $1,000 Scholarship Awarded Per Year (At the discretion of the donor)

Due April 15 - Scholarship to be presented at the National Junior Summer Spectacular

SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES:

• Scholarship is open to ALL ages, but preference will be given to high school freshman, sophomores, and juniors
• Applicants are encouraged to be members of the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA)
• Scholarship applicants are encouraged to be exhibitors of multiple species of livestock
• Scholarship applicants are encouraged to be members of an agricultural focused leadership group (FFA, 4-H, Collegiate Farm Bureau, etc,)
• Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation from an industry professional or academic personnel. (Must be non-related to the applicant.)

Each selection committee member shall independently review and score each application received and select the recipient based on the following criteria (in no particular order):

• Academics
• Extracurricular activities
• Industry Leadership activities
• Video Response (3-6 Minutes in Length)

Applications will be scored by a committee organized by NSR staff. Applications from the highest scoring candidates will be reviewed by The Friends of The Exchange to determine the winner. Scholarship recipients will be announced at the National Junior Summer Spectacular. Results will also be posted on the NSR website and in the August Seedstock EDGE issue.

Answer the following questions with a video response:

1. Describe a time or situation when you believe you demonstrated leadership.
2. How can digital technology be used to improve youth livestock programs?

One $1000 scholarship was formed by National Swine Registry members who selected to contribute 1% of their seedstock sales to the National Junior Swine Association with intentions to provide funds to a NJSA member that enrolled in a post-secondary institution and is majoring in an agricultural-related field.

Due April 15

Applicant Guidelines:

• Scholarship applicants must be members of the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA).
• Scholarship applicants must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution in an agricultural-related field.
• Each selection committee member shall independently review and score each application received.

Applications will be scored by a committee selected by the NSR Staff. Scholarship recipients will be announced at the National Junior Summer Spectacular. Results will also be posted on the NSR website and in the August Seedstock EDGE issue.

Your scholarship application is considered complete when you submit each of the following:

• Scholarship application signed and dated.

Essay (Must be between 500-700 words)

 Name one example of how the NJSA have left a positive impact on you?

Guy Jackson is revered and considered by many as one of the “Founding Fathers” of the National Swine Registry. The Jackson family has a very special place in their hearts for the purebred swine business, especially the Duroc breed. In Guy’s honor, the family has graciously founded the Guy Jackson Memorial Scholarship to someone who participates in their community, pursues academic excellence, and embodies the values of faith and family.

One $1,500 scholarship will be awarded to a deserving Duroc enthusiast that exhibits leadership characteristics in the livestock or agricultural industry.

Due April 15- Award to be presented at the Exposition
Applicant Guidelines

Requirements:

• Scholarship will be given to a high school senior or a non-traditional student studying an Ag-related field.
• Scholarship applicants are preferred to be members of the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA)
• Scholarship applicants are preferred to be members of a livestock judging team and/or agriculture focused leadership group (FFA, 4-H, Collegiate Farm Bureau, etc,)
• Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation from an industry professional or academic personnel. (Must be non-related to the applicant.)
• Applicants must have shown Durocs at the County, State, or National level for a minimum of two years.

Each selection committee member shall independently review and score each application received and select the recipient based on the following criteria:

• Essay Responses
• Academics
• Leadership activities
• Video Responses

Scholarship recipients will be announced at the Exposition. Results will also be posted on the NSR website and in the August Seedstock EDGE issue.

Your scholarship application is considered complete when you submit each of the following:

• Scholarship application signed and dated.
• Two letters of recommendation from a non-related industry professional, schoolteacher, 4-H leader, or FFA adviser who has knowledge of applicant’s livestock industry involvement.
• Video Responses to Questions

Answer the following questions with a video response. (3-6 minutes)

 

1. Describe a time or situation in which you demonstrated the traits of Guy Jackson? (ie. humble, putting others first, commitment, passion)
2. Who is the most legendary person in the swine industry to you and why?
3. Looking into the future, what would you want your legacy to be and want people to remember you by?
4. If selected for this scholarship how would you use the funds to develop your leadership skill set to benefit others?

In May of 1893, a small group of Kentucky farmers met in Erlanger, Ky., to form the first record association to keep the blood pure in these black hogs with a white belt. The first record association was called the American Thin Rind Association. This belted hog had various other names in those days, including McGee hog, McKay, Saddleback and Ring Middle. Because this hog was known by so many different names, the name was changed in 1904 to the American Hampshire Record Association. In 1907, the organization in Kentucky was discontinued. At that time, they adopted American Hampshire Swine Record Association as their name. The name was shortened to Hampshire Swine Record Association in 1922 and in 1939, the name Hampshire Swine Registry was adopted. Between 1910 and 1920, Hampshires were a big hit in the Corn Belt. During the 1920's the breed continued to grow in numbers and in favor. The greatest popularity of the Hampshires did not come until after 1930. Then in 1994, the National Swine Registry was formed as a result of the consolidation of the American Yorkshire Club, the Hampshire Swine Registry and the United Duroc Swine Registry. In January 1998, the American Landrace Association joined the NSR. The HSR Board of Directors are dedicated to youth development and have established a scholarship. The Hampshire Swine Registry Scholarship has been founded to provide financial support to NJSA members that have a passion for the Hampshire breed.

One (1) $1,000 Scholarship Awarded Per Year (At the discretion of the donor)

Due April 15 - Scholarship to be presented at the National Junior Summer Spectacular

Applicant Guidelines:

• Scholarship applicants must be members of the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA).
• Scholarship applicants must be an incoming freshman, sophomore or junior as of the upcoming fall semester enrolled in an agriculturally related field.
• Applicant must have shown Hampshires at the County, State, or National level for a minimum of two years.
• Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation from a non-related industry professional, 4-H leader, FFA advisor or school teacher. Letters should be one page in length.

Applications will be scored by a committee selected by NSR staff. Scholarship recipients will be announced at the National Junior Summer Spectacular. Results will also be posted on the NSR website and in the August Seedstock EDGE issue.

Your scholarship application is considered complete when you submit each of the following:

• Scholarship application signed and dated.
• Two letters of recommendation from a non-related individual who has the knowledge of applicant’s academics, leadership activities, and community involvement

These THREE $1,000 scholarship were formed by the National Junior Swine Association to be awarded to college students that are majoring in an agricultural-related field. The funds are derived solely from NJSA members donating their show premiums to this cause. As a result, we feel it is our obligation to help the most deserving students. This brings us many tough decisions in deciding who is the most "deserving". Our ideal candidate is someone who sticks out amongst the crowd of applicants. After reading your essay, we want to know you're the winner without any doubts. Here's a hint - the best way to do this is to write in your own unique style and with total honesty.

Due April 15

Applicant Guidelines:

• Scholarship applicants must be members of the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA).
• Scholarship applicants must be an incoming freshman, sophomore or junior as of the upcoming fall semester enrolled in an agricultural-related field.
• Each selection committee member shall independently review and score each application received.
• Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation from a non-related industry professional, 4-H leader, FFA adviser or school teacher. Letters should be one page in length.

Applications will be scored by a committee selected by the NSR Staff. Scholarship recipients will be announced at the National Junior Summer Spectacular. Results will also be posted on the NSR website and in the August Seedstock EDGE issue.

Your scholarship application is considered complete when you submit each of the following:

• Scholarship application signed and dated.
• Two letters of recommendation from a non-related industry professional, school teacher, 4-H leader or FFA adviser who has knowledge of applicant’s livestock industry involvement.

Essay Question (Must be between 500 -700 words)

What would winning this scholarship mean to you and how will it benefit your education, both financially and scholastically? 

Mike Cox was a family man that enjoyed spending time with his wife and kids at pig shows. He knew the importance of putting in the work at home and loved helping his kids practice their showmanship skills in the yard with him as the judge. Between getting ready for and going to shows, Mike and his family were actively involved in their church and community. He enjoyed providing entertainment for friends and family and could often be found at the grill or in the kitchen. The Cox family has a special place in their hearts for the show pig industry and their community and has chosen to carry on Mike’s legacy by offering a scholarship in his name to a student pursuing a degree in agriculture that participates in their community, pursues academic excellence and embraces the family friendly culture of pig shows.

One $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to an incoming freshman, sophomore or junior for the upcoming fall semester enrolled in an agriculturally related field. Students may only be awarded this scholarship one time.

Due April 15

Applicant Guidelines:

• Scholarship applicants must be members of the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA).
• Scholarship applicants must be an incoming freshman, sophomore or junior as of the upcoming fall semester enrolled in an agriculturally related field.

Each selection committee member shall independently review and score each application received and select the recipient based on the following criteria:

• Essay Responses
• Academics
• Leadership activities

Applications will be scored by a committee selected by the NSR Staff. There will be a member from the Cox family on the selection committee. Scholarship recipients will be announced at the National Junior Summer Spectacular. Results will also be posted on the NSR website and in the August Seedstock EDGE issue.

Your scholarship application is considered complete when you submit each of the following:

• Scholarship application signed and dated.
• Two letters of recommendation from a non-related industry professional, school teacher, 4-H leader or FFA adviser who has knowledge of applicant’s livestock industry involvement.

Essay (400 - 600 words)

• If you created a bucket list for goals you wanted to achieve in the show ring, what would your first goal be? Why?
• When going to a pig show, what do you look forward to the most? Push yourself out of your comfort zone to provide a detailed response.

Amount: 1 $1000 scholarship provided by contributing NSR staff

The Employees Making Professionals scholarship was formed by the staff of the National Swine Registry with the intention of a percentage of funds withheld from their paycheck to go to a deserving past or present member of the NJSA pursuing post-secondary education and a career within the agriculture industry.

The staff at the NSR recognizes our organization would not be what it is without the members it represents. Because of this our ideal candidate is someone who holds aspirations to pursue a career within the pork industry and/or intends on raising and marketing their own purebred seedstock.

Due April 15

Applicant Guidelines:

• Scholarship applicants must be a current or past member of the NJSA
• Recipients must be pursuing a post-secondary degree with intentions of a career within the swine industry
• Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation from a college professor or immediate supervisor from a job or internship experience
• Applicants are required to submit a resume that includes job experience
• Applicants will be scored by a committee of NSR staff.

Each selection committee member shall independently review and score each application received based on the following criteria:

• Leadership involvement in the swine industry
• Academic involvement and achievement
• How has the NJSA impacted your career path

Results will also be posted on the NSR website and in the August Seedstock EDGE issue.

Your scholarship application is considered complete when you submit each of the following:

• Scholarship application signed and dated.
• Two letters of recommendation from a college professor or former or current internship job employer
• A resume that includes job experience

 

Essay (250 word max)

What is your career objective and how do you believe the NJSA has impacted this objective? 

Scholarship applicants must be members of the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA). One NJSA scholarship will be awarded to a student in each membership division. Ages are as of Jan. 1 of the award year. This scholarship will be awarded on the basis of demonstrated NJSA or livestock industry leadership, scholastic excellence, youth leadership activities and interest in the swine industry. Members may only win one scholarship in each age division of the NJSA.

Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation from a non-related industry professional, 4-H leader, FFA adviser or school teacher. Letters should be one page in length.

If you are a Junior member you must upload a copy of your most recent report card.

Due April 15

Applications will be scored by a committee. Scholarship recipients will be announced at the National Junior Summer Spectacular. Results will also be posted on the NSR website and in the August Seedstock EDGE issue.

Your scholarship application is considered complete when you submit each of the following:

• Scholarship application signed and dated.
• Two (one-page) letters of recommendation from a non-related industry professional, school teacher, 4-H leader or FFA adviser.

 

One $1,000 scholarship was formed by the Steve Sell Family’s Crossbred Gilt Sale Donation at the 2018 World Pork Expo with intentions to go to NJSA members that enrolled in post-secondary institution and majoring in an agricultural-related field.

Due April 15

Applicant Guidelines:

• Scholarship applicants must be members of the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA).
• Scholarship applicants must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution in an agricultural-related field.
• Each selection committee member shall independently review and score each application received.

Applications will be scored by a committee selected by the NSR Staff. Scholarship recipients will be announced at the National Junior Summer Spectacular. Results will also be posted on the NSR website and in the August Seedstock EDGE issue.

Your scholarship application is considered complete when you submit each of the following:

• Scholarship application signed and dated.

Essay (Between 500 -700 words)

Describe how exhibiting livestock has left a positive impact on you.

These FOUR $2,500 scholarships were formed by the National Junior Swine Association from the Exposition trailer spot auction with intentions to go to NJSA members that enrolled in post-secondary institution and majoring in an agricultural-related field.

Due April 15

Our ideal candidate is someone who sticks out amongst the crowd of applicants and represents the four pillars of the National Junior Swine Association; competition, leadership, education and scholarship.

Applicant Guidelines:

• Scholarship applicants must be members of the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA).
• Scholarship applicants must be between the ages of 17 to 21 and enrolled in an agricultural-related field.
• Each selection committee member shall independently review and score each application received.
• Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation from a non-related industry professional, 4-H leader, FFA adviser or school teacher. Letters should be one page in length.

Applications will be scored by a committee selected by the NSR staff. Scholarship recipients will be announced at the National Junior Summer Spectacular. Results will also be posted on the NSR website and in the August Seedstock EDGE issue

Your scholarship application is considered complete when you submit each of the following:

• Scholarship application signed and dated.
• Two letters of recommendation from a non-related industry professional, school teacher, 4-H leader or FFA adviser who has knowledge of applicant’s livestock industry involvement.

Essay (Between 500-750 words)

Name one example of how the NJSA have left a positive impact on you? 

The National Junior Swine Association Visionary Leader Scholarship was established to recognize one member of the NJSA Board of Directors for his or her outstanding contributions and service to the members of the NJSA. The rankings will be compiled by NSR and winners will be announced at the National Junior Summer Spectacular. This scholarship can only be won one time.

Due April 15

Scholarship applicants must be members of the NJSA Board of Directors. Each director is required to apply for the scholarship. Applications should be typed. Extra pages may be used as necessary.

Scholarship Guidelines:

• Scholarship applicants must be members of the NJSA Board of Directors. Each director is required to apply for the scholarship.
• Applications should be typed. Extra pages may be used as necessary.
• Applications must be signed by a parent or guardian who has knowledge of the applicant’s involvement in the NJSA.

One $1,000 scholarship was formed in memory of Robert and Charlotte Wehmer with intentions to go to NJSA members pursuing continuing education (university, community college, trade school, etc.) Robert and Charlotte Wehmer were long time supporters of the National Swine Registry, National Junior Swine Association and youth livestock programs. The Wehmer family has a special place in their hearts for the show pig industry and has chosen to carry on the family’s passion by offering a scholarship to a student who participates in their community, pursues academic excellence and embraces the family friendly culture of pig shows.

Due April 15

Applicant Guidelines:

• Scholarship applicants must be members of the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA).
• Scholarship applicants must be an incoming freshman, sophomore or junior as of the upcoming fall semester enrolled, or pursuing continuing education or graduate school.
• Each selection committee member shall independently review and score each application received.

Your scholarship application is considered complete when you submit each of the following:

• Scholarship application signed and dated.
• Two letters of recommendation from a non-related industry professional, school teacher, 4-H leader or FFA adviser who has knowledge of applicant’s livestock industry involvement.

 

Essay (Between 500 - 700 words)

Describe how exhibiting livestock has left a positive impact on you. 

If there are no scholarships listed on this page than you have not completed any scholarship forms. Please go back and complete at least one scholarship before submitting this form.