Scholarships
Have any questions regarding the scholarship process?
Please contact us at scholarships@ourcoop.com.
Ag Leadership
Developing a new generation of agriculture leaders for lifelong success.
The TFC Foundation is committed to cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders by supporting scholarship opportunities at the state level. Our scholarships focus on empowering high school seniors and college students, particularly those involved in impactful youth programs like 4-H and FFA, by helping them access high-quality leadership and educational experiences. Through these three scholarship opportunities, we aim to strengthen the talent pipeline for our cooperative system and the broader agriculture industry. To learn more about how we are supporting Tennessee 4-H and FFA click here.
Each year, the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Foundation proudly awards scholarships to outstanding students pursuing higher education. We are honored to support the next generation of leaders, innovators, and advocates for rural communities and agriculture.
Meet Our 2026-2027 Scholarship Recipients
GROWING LEADERS SCHOLARSHIP
Nate Mason of Parrottsville, TN
Sapana Das of Chuckey, TN
Ann Lowery of Dyersburg, TN
Skylar Baird of Lebanon, TN
Ella Hasty of Smyrna, TN
Allison Thomas of Sparta, TN
Ty Jones of Scottsville, KY
LOCAL RED CAP SCHOLARSHIP
Mac Jepson of Orlinda, TN
Daniel Austin of Sparta, TN
Wyatt Pearson of Cross Plains, TN
Houston Stewart of Atoka, TN
Miller Moore of Dresden, TN
Alexis Powell of Murfreesboro, TN
Matthew Graham of Taft, TN
DRIVEN TO SERVE SCHOLARSHIP
Luke Magness of Smithville, TN
Halleigh Wunder of Murfreesboro, TN
Dillon Parrish of Sparta, TN
Abbie Bowker of Rockvale, TN
Will Southall of Linden, TN
George Wilson of Niota, TN
Jami Jordan of McEwen, TN
The next application period for the 2027-2028 scholarships will be open this fall.
Scroll down for more information about our scholarships. To view the full article please click here.
Watch this video for an overview of our scholarships with Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Foundation Executive Director, Claire Hill.
Growing Leaders Scholarship
“foster future generations of agricultural leaders”
This $4,000 scholarship is geared towards students who are actively involved in their local communities and demonstrate leadership in FFA, 4-H, and/or other agricultural organizations. To qualify, applicants must be pursuing a degree in agriculture or a related field while maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. This is a one-time scholarship; applicants may reapply in the future, but reselection is not guaranteed.
Requirements:
Involvement in youth leadership and/or agricultural organizations
Strong evidence of involvement in community service
Pursuing a degree in agriculture or a related field
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Applicants must also submit the following to be considered:
Academic transcripts
Essay response
Up to three letters of recommendation
Scholarship winners are subject to an additional $1,000, which will be paid directly to the students if they attend a Co-op Scholars’ Summit at Tennessee Farmers Cooperative’s La Vergne Headquarters. More information will be sent directly to winners regarding this event. The date of the event will be May 26, 2027.
Local Red Cap Scholarship
“serve local communities”
This $4,000 scholarship is open to applicants who are actively involved in production agriculture and are pursuing at least a two-year degree or are enrolled in a trade school program. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and either be a Co-op member themselves or have an immediate family member with local membership. Our ideal recipients are those who aspire to enter production agriculture and support our thriving farming communities. This scholarship is renewable for a second year, provided the GPA requirement is still met.
Requirements:
Involvement in production agriculture
Pursing a two or four year degree in agriculture or enrolled in a formal trade school program
Minimum GPA of 2.0
Must prove membership and or evidence with a local member Co-op
Applicants must also submit the following to be considered:
Evidence of doing consistent business with a local member Co-op
Essay response
Up to three letters of recommendation
Scholarship winners are subject to an additional $1,000, which will be paid directly to the students if they attend a Co-op Scholars’ Summit at Tennessee Farmers Cooperative’s La Vergne Headquarters. More information will be sent directly to winners regarding this event. The date of the event will be May 26, 2027.
This $4,000 scholarship is open to applicants who are currently employed, and have been for a minimum of three months, at least part-time, with a local member Co-op or Tennessee Farmers Cooperative. Students who are working while in school or have previous internship experience are highly encouraged to apply. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in agriculture or a related field while maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5. After the initial selection, applicants can reapply, but they must maintain part-time employment status.
Driven to Serve Scholarship
“and support faith-based initiatives”
Requirements:
Must have worked for at least 3 months and/or currently be employed for TFC or a member Co-op at least part-time
Must be pursuing a degree in agriculture or a related field
Must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
Applicants must also submit the following to be considered:
Evidence of work experience with TFC or a local member Co-op
Academic transcripts
Proof of leadership and community involvement
Essay response
Up to three letters of recommendation
Scholarship winners are subject to an additional $1,000, which will be paid directly to the students if they attend a Co-op Scholars’ Summit at Tennessee Farmers Cooperative’s La Vergne Headquarters. More information will be sent directly to winners regarding this event. The date of the event will be May 26, 2027.
Student Stories
Hear directly from scholarship recipients whose education and future opportunities are being shaped by support from the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Foundation.
"This scholarship made all the difference for me. I can now focus on finishing my degree without as much financial stress."
— Ella
"This scholarship allows me to pursue an education that would have otherwise been difficult to pursue. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to achieve my goals and grow as a stronger leader and advocate for agriculture."
— Skylar
"This scholarship will allow me to attend my first year of college at no cost and continue pursuing my goal of becoming an agriculture educator."
— Nate
Application Process
Students should prepare the following before applying:
Essay response to your specific scholarship (see scholarship application for prompt)
Academic transcripts
Up to three letters or recommendation
Applications should be completed and submitted before November 14, 2026. Incomplete applications or submissions after this date, will not be considered.
Scholarship winners will be announced by late April 2027
Scholarship winners are subject to an additional $1,000, which will be paid directly to the students if they attend a Co-op Scholars’ Summit at Tennessee Farmers Cooperative’s La Vergne Headquarters. More information will be sent directly to winners regarding this event. The date of the event will be May 26, 2027.
Should you have any questions regarding the scholarship process, please contact us at scholarships@ourcoop.com.