Educational Programs and Internships

The scholarship program of the American Jersey Cattle Association supports educational opportunities for Jersey youth enrolled in post-secondary institutions and also on-farm internships.

Application forms for the 2025-26 national Jersey scholarships are due on July 1, 2025. Scholarships awarded for 2024-25 were (click here to print list):
 

• Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship ($2,250). Eligibility limited to national achievement contest nominees.
• V. L. Peterson Scholarship ($2,250). Must have completed one year of college work.
• Paul Jackson Memorial Scholarship ($1,000). Must have completed one year of college work.
• AJCA Directors Scholarship ($1,500). Based on academic performance, activities and accomplishments with Jersey cattle and commitment to continued involvement in the Jersey dairy business. 
• William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship ($3,000). For entering college freshman.
• Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship ($1,500). Undergraduate and graduate students eligible, based on program of study.
• Russell-Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies ($5,000). Exclusively for graduate students, based on program of study.
• Bob Toole Youth Award ($1,500). Must be high school graduate, for college expenses of practical experience of choice.
• Morris B. Ewing ABS Genetic Performance Scholarship ($2,750). Must have junior or senior standing, based on program of study.
• The Lineweaver Scholarship ($3,500). Requirements to apply and renew detailed on form.
• Walter and Joyce Owens Family Scholarship ($5,000). Requirements to apply and renew detailed on form.
• The Robert Bignami Memorial Scholarship ($2,500). Exclusively for Jersey Youth Academy attendees. 
• Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award ($350).
• Fred Stout Experience Awards, two awards, one each for an internship with Jersey Marketing Service and a customized on-farm experience, variable by year. Applications close December 1.
• The Reuben R. Cowles Youth Educational Award is awarded to young Jersey owners from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia who are at least high school seniors but not older than 36 years of age. Award varies by year; 10-year average is $1,500. Closing date: July 1 annually.

About the National Jersey Youth Programs

Organized in 1868, the American Jersey Cattle Association has sponsored educational programs and activities for young people interested in the Jersey breed since 1917. Junior members have the same registration privileges as Lifetime Members, and also the incentives of a comprehensive program leading to national recognition for their achievements with Jersey cattle. These programs include:

• Free membership in the association until the youth’s 21st birthday;
• the National Jersey Youth Production Contest and Pot O’Gold Sale, which create incentives for keeping production and management records;
• the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest, the ultimate recognition for Jersey youth between the ages of 16 and 20; national scholarships that help pay for hands-on work experiences and college educations;
• The All American Junior Jersey Show, providing the thrill of competition in the largest show of Registered Jerseys™ in the world and introductions to lifelong friends from across the United States; and
• Jersey Youth Academy, an intensive educational program held in odd-numbered years in Columbus, Ohio.