Cindy Hollingshead Scholarship

The Cindy Hollingshead Scholarship fund was established to honor Cynthia Anne (Cindy) Hollingshead for 39 years of service as executive secretary of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, as well as a lifetime of volunteer commitment to local government and community service activities.

The objective of the scholarship fund is to assist students who plan to pursue careers focusing on agriculture, community service and association leadership.

Scholarship Description

The Cindy Hollingshead Scholarship Fund was established in 2011 to honor Cynthia Anne (Cindy) Hollingshead, for 39 years of service as Executive Secretary of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, as well as a lifetime of volunteer commitment to 
local government and community service activities.

The objective of the Cindy Hollingshead Scholarship Fund is to assist students who plan to pursue careers focusing on agriculture, community service or association leadership.

Applicant Eligibility

1. Applicant must be a resident of Ohio.
2. Applicant must be enrolled in one of the following courses of study:
   • An accredited high school program, with personal plans to pursue a degree as a full-time student in an accredited two-year technical school or four–year college or university program.
   • A course of study leading to completion in an accredited GED program, with personal plans to pursue a degree as a full-time student in an accredited two-year technical school or four–year college or university program.
   • An accredited two-year technical school.
   • An accredited four‑year college or university program.
   • An accredited graduate program.
3. Scholarship monies will be paid directly to the applicant after submission of their respective transcript detailing their grades for the first quarter or semester for the 2024-25 academic year. Transcript must show that the Applicant/Scholarship Recipient maintains a 2.5 GPA in their chosen course of study.

Scholarship Rules and Regulations

• Applicant /Scholarship Recipient may reapply annually.
• While the Applicant does not need to be pursuing a degree directly connected to a school and/or college of agriculture, they must explain how a particular aspect of the field of agriculture or community development (food production, scientific research, education/outreach, marketing, policymaking, advocacy, leadership development) pursued by the applicant benefits from their career plans.

PLEASE NOTE – This application is estimated to take one-hour to complete and must be completed in one sitting. Please obtain your transcript, letters of recommendation, and write your essay(s) before beginning this application.  

• Transcript: Applicant must provide a High School, Technical School, College or University transcript
• Letters of Recommendation (3):
• Applicants must obtain three (3) letters of recommendation from an adult leader, mentor, and/or educator that describes the applicant’s academic, community service, and/or leadership experiences.
• Letters may not be written by the applicant, anyone under 21 years of age, or anyone related to the applicant or serving as a legal guardian.
• Contact information (at least one phone number) should be included for each reference.
• Please note that letters of recommendation must be dated within the last six (6) months and can not be reused if you have previously applied for this scholarship.
• Essay(s):
• Agriculture impacts people’s lives daily. Whether it is from the food people eat, the clothes people wear, or the livestock people raise. Agriculture is more than a job but a lifestyle. How do you see agriculture impacting your life and more importantly influencing you to become a leader in your community? Please provide a detailed example of how your career goals in agriculture will propel you in becoming a community leader. (500 words or less)
• How are you planning to make a difference in the future of agriculture? Please provide examples. (250 words or less)