Alabama Cattlemen's Association Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Alabama Cattlemen's Association

Overview

The Alabama Cattlemen's Foundation awards scholarships to students at the high school, collegiate, and post-graduate levels. Scholarships are supported by proceeds from the "Cowboy" vanity car tag and by private family donations. The program is administered through the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and distributes awards at an annual scholarship banquet. Applications for the 2026–2027 cycle open September 1, 2025 and close November 2, 2025; applicants will be notified by February 14, 2026.

Description: A variety of targeted scholarships recognize academic achievement, civic and industry involvement, vocational training, and veterinary and medical fields related to agriculture.

History of the Award: Funding originates from the sale of the "Cowboy" vanity license tag and donations from individuals and families active in Alabama agriculture.

• Scholarships span high school through post-graduate studies.
• Funding comes from tag sales and private gifts.
• Applications follow an annual cycle with awards announced in February.

High school seniors

High school seniors can apply for scholarships that support traditional college paths, community college, and vocational or trade training. Awards target students who demonstrate involvement in cattle-related activities, community service, or who plan to pursue agriculture-related careers. A range of named scholarships recognizes service, leadership, and family legacies within the Alabama cattle community. Applicants in this category compete for multiple award types and should review specific eligibility criteria for each named scholarship.

Description: Scholarships for high school seniors include awards for academic promise, trade or junior college pathways, and recognition of outstanding junior cattlemen and service.

Eligibility: Applicants must be high school seniors; individual scholarship rules may impose additional requirements.

• "Tagged for Greatness" Scholarship
• "Tagged for Junior College" Scholarship
• "Tagged for Trade School" Scholarship
• Outstanding Junior Cattleman Scholarship
• Martha Davis Service Award
• Ina E. Powell Memorial Scholarship
• Cecil Lane Family Scholarship
• John Williams Memorial Scholarship
• Butch & Lisa Smathers Scholarship

• Multiple scholarships address academic, technical, and service-oriented paths.
• Check individual award requirements before applying.
• Application deadlines are centralized for the scholarship cycle.

Collegians

Collegiate students are eligible for scholarships that emphasize academic excellence, campus and civic involvement, industry engagement, and transfer support. The Foundation offers awards for students on equestrian or rodeo teams as well as memorial and family-named scholarships recognizing leadership and service. These scholarships aim to support continued involvement in the cattle and agricultural industries while students complete their degrees. Students should confirm eligibility and application details for each named scholarship.

Description: Collegiate awards reward academic achievement, leadership, industry participation, and extracurricular involvement tied to the cattle community.

Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in college; specific awards may target undergraduates, transfers, or participants in equestrian/rodeo programs.

• "Tagged for Academic Excellence" Scholarship
• "Tagged for Civic Engagement" Scholarship
• "Tagged for Campus Involvement" Scholarship
• "Tagged for Industry Involvement" Scholarship
• "Tagged for Transfer" Scholarship
• Collegiate Equestrian/Rodeo Team Scholarship
• Harlice E. & Sara W. Kirby Scholarship
• Ed Wadsworth Memorial Scholarship
• May & Ned Ellis Family Scholarship
• Butch & Lisa Smathers Scholarship
• Milton Wendland Memorial Scholarship
• John Michael Brown Scholarship

• Awards support a broad set of collegiate activities and achievements.
• Some scholarships are program- or activity-specific (e.g., rodeo/equestrian).
• Confirm enrollment and other eligibility criteria for each award.

Post-graduate students

Post-graduate scholarships support advanced study in veterinary medicine, animal sciences, agricultural law, rural medicine, and related fields. These awards are intended for students pursuing graduate or professional degrees that directly benefit Alabama's agricultural and rural communities. The named scholarships align with academic departments and professional schools, reflecting the Foundation's focus on workforce development in agriculture and veterinary care. Applicants should verify program-specific eligibility and application requirements.

Description: Post-graduate scholarships fund graduate and professional study in veterinary medicine, animal sciences, law, and rural medicine tied to agricultural needs.

Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in or accepted to an appropriate graduate or professional program; individual scholarships may specify department or school affiliation.

• Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine Scholarship
• Auburn University Department of Animal Sciences Graduate Student Scholarship
• Agricultural Law Scholarship
• Rural Medicine Scholarship
• Smathers Family Veterinary Scholarship

• Supports advanced training that benefits Alabama agriculture and rural health.
• Many awards are tied to specific academic programs or departments.
• Applicants should confirm graduate-level eligibility and documentation requirements.