Ray DeVries Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Washington Farm Bureau

Description

Washington Farm Bureau funds the Ray DeVries Memorial Scholarship to help develop the next generation of agricultural leaders. The program supports high school seniors, current college students, and adults returning to school who plan careers that benefit rural communities and the agriculture sector. Up to five scholarships are awarded annually to students from Farm Bureau member families who are pursuing agriculture or agriculture-related studies. The program emphasizes practical support for education and workforce development in Washington’s agricultural community.

Key takeaways:
- Ray DeVries Memorial Scholarship supports students entering agriculture and related fields.
- Open to high school seniors, college students, and returning students.
- Awards target learners from Farm Bureau member families.
- Up to five scholarships are offered each year.

Eligibility

**Membership requirement:** Applicants must be Farm Bureau members or the son, daughter, or legal dependent of a current Farm Bureau member family. Not a member? Visit www.wsfb.com/application to join.

**Enrollment and institution:** Applicants must be attending, or planning to attend, an accredited college, university, or technical school.

**Field of study and academic standard:** Priority is for students enrolled in agricultural majors or related areas (food science, horticulture, ag education, animal science, ag business, etc.). A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required to qualify.

Key takeaways:
- Must be a member or dependent of a current Farm Bureau member family.
- Must attend an accredited college, university, or technical school.
- Intended major should be in agriculture or a related field; minimum 2.0 GPA required.

Award Value and Restrictions

The program awards up to five scholarships annually, each valued at $2,000. An individual may receive this scholarship only once. Payments are made to the recipient’s college or university registrar on the student’s behalf.

Key takeaways:
- Each scholarship is $2,000; up to five awards per year.
- Recipients may receive the award only one time.
- Payments are issued directly to the institution’s registrar.

Application Requirements

**Cover sheet:** Complete the program cover sheet and follow any specific instructions (see section 3(b) of the cover sheet for applicants with non-ag majors).

**Required documents:** Submit the following items with the cover sheet: transcript (most recent high school or college transcript), at least two letters of recommendation (one from a teacher or advisor), a 1–2 page Career & Agriculture Essay, an activities and experience summary (resume or list), a brief budget estimate of educational expenses and funding sources, and proof of enrollment or acceptance.

**Special essay guidance:** If your major is outside agriculture, include an additional ~300-word statement explaining how your field connects to agriculture.

Key takeaways:
- Complete the cover sheet and attach all required documents.
- Required documents: transcript, 2+ recommendations (one teacher/advisor), essay, activities summary, budget, and proof of enrollment.
- Non-ag majors must add a ~300-word statement linking their field to agriculture.

Application Submission and Review

**How to submit:** Deliver the completed application package, including the cover sheet and all supporting documents, to the Washington Farm Bureau office by the stated deadline.

**Review process:** Applications are evaluated annually; selection criteria focus on academic standing, career goals in agriculture, leadership and community involvement, and demonstrated financial need.

**Cover-sheet specifics:** Follow the cover sheet instructions closely — applicants who are not enrolled in an agricultural field should consult section 3(b) of the cover sheet.

Key takeaways:
- Send the full application packet to the Washington Farm Bureau office by the deadline.
- Applications are reviewed once per year based on academics, goals, involvement, and need.
- Follow cover-sheet instructions; consult section 3(b) if your major is outside agriculture.

Application Timeline

Applications for the 2026 cycle must be received by July 1, 2026. Winners for that cycle will be announced in August 2026. Scholarship funds must be disbursed to the institution’s registrar by September 30, 2026.

Key takeaways:
- Application deadline: July 1, 2026 (received by Washington Farm Bureau office).
- Winners announced: August 2026.
- Scholarship payments issued to institutions by September 30, 2026.

Award Payment and Administration

**Payment method:** Scholarship payments are made directly to the college or university registrar’s office and issued in the winner’s name. The recipient’s institution will apply the funds to tuition, fees, or other eligible educational expenses per their policies.

**Documentation and timing:** Final payment requires proper enrollment verification; recipients should ensure the Washington Farm Bureau has the necessary enrollment documents so funds can be processed by the September 30 deadline.

Key takeaways:
- Funds are paid directly to the school’s registrar in the recipient’s name.
- Enrollment verification is required before payment processing.
- Payments must be completed by September 30 of the award year.

History of the Award

The Ray DeVries Memorial Scholarship is administered by the Washington Farm Bureau as part of its long-term commitment to education and leadership in agriculture. The scholarship honors Ray DeVries by investing in students who will contribute to Washington’s rural communities and agricultural industries. It is one element of the Bureau’s broader effort to support education, workforce development, and community resilience in the state’s agricultural sector.

Key takeaways:
- Named the Ray DeVries Memorial Scholarship and run by Washington Farm Bureau.
- Created to invest in future agricultural leaders and rural communities.
- Part of the Farm Bureau’s broader education and workforce initiatives.