Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, has reaffirmed its deep commitment to the next generation of agricultural and trade professionals by announcing that it has raised $1 million for the Tractor Supply 2026 FFA Future Leaders Scholarship Fund. The annual fundraising effort supports scholarships for members of the National FFA Organization who are pursuing studies in skilled trades and agriculture-related majors. With the latest milestone, the initiative has now generated more than $4 million over the past four years, underscoring Tractor Supply’s dedication to empowering rural youth and strengthening the backbone of America’s agricultural workforce.
A Fund That Opens Doors for Rural Students
The FFA Future Leaders Scholarship, the largest agriculture-related scholarship of its kind, is underwritten by a five-year, $5 million pledge from the Tractor Supply Foundation. This ambitious investment reflects the company’s recognition of the rising costs of postsecondary education and the barriers they pose for students in rural areas. By easing these financial burdens, the fund enables more students to pursue higher education and vocational training, preparing them for careers that not only enhance their own futures but also contribute to the vitality of their communities.
For many students, receiving a scholarship is more than just financial relief—it is a validation of their hard work and aspirations. Leanna Larson, a 2025 scholarship recipient, expressed the impact of this support. “Knowing I’ll be paying for college myself, I’ve spent a lot of time worrying about how I’d manage financially,” she shared. “This scholarship gave me a sense of relief and reassurance. It reminded me that my hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed and that there are people out there who believe in students like me.” Larson is currently studying agribusiness management at the University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas.
Transforming Lives Through Education
Since its inception, the FFA Future Leaders Scholarship has awarded scholarships to 435 students across the country. Recipients have pursued a wide range of fields, including agribusiness, veterinary medicine, agricultural engineering, welding, automotive technology, and other skilled trades. This diversity highlights the evolving landscape of rural employment, where both traditional agricultural expertise and technical trades are vital to sustaining and growing local economies.
For students like Benjamin Coder, who is pursuing welding at Midwest Technical Institute in Illinois, the scholarship has been life-changing. “The FFA Future Leaders Scholarship has changed my life,” he said. “It confirms that my dedication to the welding industry is valuable, and that you believe in my potential and future contributions. I hope I can show more students that education is a possibility for anyone.”
Another recipient, Kerwyn Underwood of Alabama, who plans to study welding at Northwest Shoals Community College in Muscle Shoals, echoed similar sentiments. “These five thousand dollars may be the most valuable five thousand I will ever have the pleasure of possessing,” he said. “It grants me the potential to become something greater than I am now.”
A Mission Rooted in Community
The vision behind the scholarship program is not only to support individuals but also to strengthen the fabric of rural communities across America. Marti Skold-Jordan, Executive Director of the Tractor Supply Company Foundation and a member of the National FFA Foundation Sponsors’ Board, emphasized this broader mission.
“For many students living in rural areas, the desire to continue their education isn’t only about advancing their own opportunities, but also about improving the communities they call home,” Skold-Jordan explained. “We established this scholarship fund to help eliminate some of the barriers to achieving these goals, and in turn, build a brighter future for all of our neighbors Out Here. We are grateful for our customers’ ongoing support of this critical scholarship fund, investing in the education of so many future leaders.”
The phrase “Out Here,” long associated with Tractor Supply’s brand identity, reflects the company’s commitment to serving people who live and work in rural America. Through its partnership with FFA, the company not only nurtures individual growth but also reinforces its role as a vital supporter of rural communities and industries.
Powered by Customers’ Generosity
One of the unique strengths of the program is its reliance on the generosity of Tractor Supply customers. The $1 million raised for the 2026 fund came through donations collected at checkout across the retailer’s nearly 2,200 stores nationwide. Each contribution, no matter the size, helps create meaningful opportunities for students who might otherwise struggle to finance their education.
This grassroots model allows everyday shoppers to participate directly in shaping the future of rural America. By contributing, customers become partners in investing in the next generation of farmers, ranchers, technicians, veterinarians, and skilled trade professionals. It is a collective effort that amplifies the impact of individual donations into scholarships that have the power to change lives.
