The Louis R. and Helen E. Schwartz FFA Agricultural Scholarship was established to help prepare Saginaw County students for a future in agriculture or an agriculture-related field. Both Lou and Helen Schwartz were raised on farms in Iowa, so they knew from first-hand experience that farming can be a difficult business. They moved to Frankenmuth when Lou opened area S&H Stores in 1962. The stores were sold to Quality Farm and Fleet in 1982.
Lou remarked, “Farming is a very difficult business. Because so many factors like the weather can’t be controlled, we believe it’s important that farmers be as prepared as possible in order to influence those factors over which they do have some control. I grew up in the Great Depression and wasn’t afforded the opportunity of a college degree. I hope that the scholarship we are establishing will help young people be better prepared for a future in agriculture.”
Scholarships are awarded to students from Saginaw County, Michigan; Lyon County, Minnesota and Muscatine County, Iowa.
Qualifications
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- High school senior (or college student if you are a previous recipient)
- Saginaw County, Michigan; Lyon County, Minnesota; or Muscatine County, Iowa resident
- Pursuing an undergraduate degree in agriculture or agriculture-related occupations
- Full-time enrollment
Evaluation Criteria
- Scholastic record (20)
- Recommendations (10)
- Leadership (10)
- Financial need (10)
- Past work experience, including farm experience/background and/or other work experience (10)
- Essay (10)
- Type of agricultural degree/vocation sought (10)
- High school credits in agriculture studies (5)
- Participation in 4-H or FFA (5)
- Church and community activities (5)
- School activities (5)
Special Attachment Required
Please refer to the online scholarship application for more information