The Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement annually rewards youth actively engaging in 4-H and FFA livestock projects with a passion to pursue agriculturally-related careers. Recently a selection committee reviewed 81 collegiate applicants and 93 incoming freshmen scholarship applications to award $82,250. 

Additionally the IFAA provides funding for 16 Iowa 4-H/IFAA scholarships, five FFA/IFAA scholarships, 16 Iowa State University judging team scholarships, 21 Iowa State Fair exhibitor scholarships as well as many performance, carcass and division awards for a grand total of $156,100.

"We had an overwhelmingly deep set of applicants for this year's scholarships," states IFAA scholarship chairman Harold Hodson. "You can tell students are really being pinched in the pocketbook this year as the volume of talented applicants was very high as well," he notes. The IFAA sends letters to all applicants regarding the announcement of its winners. Winners will be recognized at the annual scholarship picnic and Sale of Champions held during the Iowa State Fair on Saturday August 22, 2009."

Winners will be recognized August 22 at State Fair

A donor for more than 10 years, Nelda Christian honors her late husband Lauren Christian, a past Iowa State University professor through an upper classmen scholarship each year. "In today's economy, parents just don't have the means to cover all of the expenses a college education creates. I take great pride supporting young people planning to improve our swine industry around the globe," says Christian. "Lauren was passionate about the swine industry. He was a teacher, a researcher and presented around the world. I enjoy rewarding upper classmen with like values and a passion for the swine industry."

Since its inception in 1988, the IFAA has awarded more than 1,973 students with almost $4 million. The foundation is comprised of a dedicated volunteer network of agricultural business leaders. Its mission is to encourage 4-H and FFA livestock and agriculture project members to pursue ag-related careers. If you are interested in getting involved or to apply for a 2010 scholarship, visit www.ifaa.org.