Darwin Bryan Scholarship

The Darwin Bryan Scholarship fund was established in 1985 in honor of Darwin R. Bryan whose enthusiastic leadership during his 37 years of service to the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation organization has been an inspiration to rural youth throughout Ohio. The scholarship fund assists students who have been active in the Farm Bureau youth program and/or whose parents are Farm Bureau members.

Scholarship Description

The Darwin Bryan Scholarship Fund was established by the Ohio Farm Bureau Board of Trustees in 1983 in honor of Darwin R. Bryan, whose enthusiastic leadership during his 37 years of service to the organization has been an inspiration to rural youth throughout Ohio.

Objective: To assist students who have been active in the Farm Bureau Youth programs and/or whose parents are Farm Bureau members to continue their education.

Applicant Eligibility

1. Applicant must be a resident of Ohio.
2. Applicant or parents of the applicant must be Ohio Farm Bureau members.
3. Applicant must be enrolled in one of the following courses of study:
   • An accredited high school program with plans to pursue a degree as a full-time student in an accredited two-year technical school or a four-year college or university program.
   • A course of study leading to completion in an accredited GED program with plans
   • to pursue a degree as a full-time student in an accredited two-year technical
   • school or a four-year college or university program.
   • An accredited two-year technical school.
   • An accredited four-year college or university program.
   • An accredited graduate program.

Scholarship Rules and Regulations

• Applicant/Scholarship recipient may reapply annually.
• While the applicant does not need to pursue a degree directly connected to a school and/or college of agriculture, they must explain how a particular aspect in the field of agriculture or community development (food production, scientific research, education/outreach, marketing, policymaking, advocacy, leadership development) benefits his/her career plans.
• 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 the applicant/scholarship recipient maintains a 2.5 GPA in their chosen course of study.

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.
• At least one letter must be from a past or present Ohio Farm Bureau leader or volunteer who has seen the applicant grow/develop through Farm Bureau activities.
• 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):

• Murray Lincoln, former CEO of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and first executive vice president of the Ohio Farm Bureau is quoted as saying "People have within their own hands the tools to fashion their own destiny." Please describe what this quote means to you and give two examples of what tools you possess that make you a leader in your community? (500 words or less)
• How are you planning to make a difference in the future of agriculture? Please provide examples. (250 words or less)