American Junior Shorthorn Association Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by American Junior Shorthorn Association
Introduction
Each year The Shorthorn Foundation offers a variety of college scholarships for members of the American Junior Shorthorn Association (AJSA). The ASA and the Foundation consider supporting the association’s youth an important investment in the future of the Shorthorn breed and the beef industry.
General eligibility and application limit
Applicants must be AJSA members to be considered. Members may apply for up to three scholarships in a given year. Specific grade-level eligibility, application materials, and selection criteria vary by scholarship (see descriptions below).
Available scholarships
- Mike Dugdale Memorial Scholarship — $2,000
Awarded to a collegiate upperclassman who is an active AJSA member and demonstrates a committed interest in improving the beef cattle industry after completing college.
- John C. “Jack” Ragsdale Scholarship — $2,000
Given to an active AJSA member who is either a high school senior or a college freshman and who shows a genuine interest in livestock evaluation and an appreciation for the purebred livestock industry.
- Don Longley Memorial Scholarships — three awards of $2,000 each
Sponsored by The Shorthorn Foundation, three $2,000 scholarships are presented annually to high school seniors or college freshmen. Recipients are selected based on Shorthorn involvement, academic performance, financial need, and participation in other activities.
- Lyle & Katharyn DeWitt Memorial Scholarship — $2,000
Funded by The Shorthorn Foundation, this single $2,000 award is available to high school seniors or college freshmen and is determined by Shorthorn involvement, grades, demonstrated need, and extracurricular participation.
- Jared & Justin Bedwell Memorial Scholarship — $2,000
Sponsored by the Bedwell family in partnership with The Shorthorn Foundation, this $2,000 scholarship is open to high school seniors, college freshmen, or college sophomores. Selection factors include involvement with Shorthorns, future agricultural career goals, college GPA, and character references.
- John Miller Scholarship — $2,500
One $2,500 award is available to a collegiate upperclassman (trade-school students included) who is an active AJSA member. Emphasis is placed on applicants interested in increasing the viability of Shorthorns within the commercial cattle sector.
- Lydia Lou O’Brien – Miller Farms Memorial Scholarship — $2,000
One $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior, college freshman, or college sophomore who is a current AJSA member. Applicants must submit an essay describing how caring for and working with Shorthorn cattle has shaped their life and agricultural plans. Academic record (high school or college GPA) will be considered.
- Shorthorn Foundation Scholarship — $4,000
One $4,000 scholarship is awarded to a college junior, senior, or graduate student. Candidates should explain how their AJSA/Shorthorn involvement influenced their current position and future agricultural career objectives. College GPA and AJSA membership (current or former, if age has made them ineligible) are considered.
- White Fox Ranch Scholarship — two awards of $5,000 (one male, one female)
Two $5,000 scholarships (one male and one female recipient) are offered to current AJSA junior members who are high school seniors or undergraduate students pursuing degrees in agriculture or veterinary medicine. Applicants must show interest in serving rural communities and the cattle industry and submit a two-part essay (750–1,000 words), a résumé, and a letter of recommendation. Preference may be given to those demonstrating strong leadership, service, and mentorship within the beef industry.
If you need help with application wording, essay drafting, or determining which scholarships best match your profile, I can assist.