Tractor Supply Company the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, has announced that it has raised over $1 million for the Tractor Supply FFA Future Leaders Scholarship fund. This remarkable achievement marks the third consecutive year of fundraising success, bringing the total amount raised to over $3 million. The fund supports FFA students pursuing studies in skilled trades and agriculture-related fields, providing them with scholarships that are crucial for furthering their education and careers.
“Our customers share our commitment to the next generation of leaders Out Here, and they continually show their support for this impactful scholarship fund,” said Marti Skold-Jordan, executive director of the Tractor Supply Foundation and a member of the National FFA Foundation Sponsors’ Board. “We are incredibly proud of the young men and women who are chasing their dreams with the assistance of these scholarships. Our 2024 donation will help even more students access these opportunities, and we are excited to learn more about them during the application process.”
The FFA Future Leaders Scholarship is the largest agricultural-related scholarship of its kind. Funded by a five-year, $5 million commitment from the Tractor Supply Foundation, this initiative provides significant financial assistance to students pursuing education in agriculture and skilled trades. To date, the scholarship has awarded 289 students. The scholarships come in two categories: a $5,000 award for students attending trade schools or two-year colleges in agriculture-related fields and skilled trades, and a $10,000 award for students pursuing four-year agriculture-related majors.
Several past recipients of the Tractor Supply FFA Future Leaders Scholarship have shared their stories of how these funds have helped them pursue their educational goals and prepare for careers in agriculture and the trades. Among them is Rachel Boeder from Wrightstown, Wisconsin, who is studying welding at Fox Valley Technical College. Davis Ince from Danville, Virginia, is studying industrial technology at Danville Community College. Ryan Martinez, from Yuma, Arizona, is pursuing a degree in agribusiness at the University of Arizona, while Katharine Porter from Karnes City, Texas, is studying agricultural education at West Texas A&M University.
“FFA is all about cultivating the next generation of leaders,” said Molly Ball, president of the National FFA Foundation and chief marketing officer of the National FFA Organization. “We know that FFA members will play a critical role in filling the agriculture talent pipeline, and we are incredibly grateful to Tractor Supply and their customers for making this possible through the Future Leaders Scholarship. This partnership has a profound impact on the future of agricultural education, and we are thankful for their ongoing commitment to FFA and to the students we serve.”
The Tractor Supply FFA Future Leaders Scholarship fund is an essential resource for young people who want to make a difference in agriculture and the trades. The scholarships help ease the financial burden of education, making it possible for students to pursue their passions and careers in fields that are essential to the nation’s economy and future.
The $1 million raised in 2024 is a testament to the strength of the partnership between Tractor Supply, the Tractor Supply Foundation, and FFA supporters. The continued success of this initiative reflects the growing recognition of the importance of agriculture and skilled trades education. With a focus on supporting students who are committed to careers that will shape the future of agriculture, the Tractor Supply FFA Future Leaders Scholarship fund is paving the way for a new generation of leaders in these vital fields.
Looking ahead, the Tractor Supply Foundation remains committed to the growth of the scholarship fund, which will continue to support students who are passionate about agriculture and the skilled trades. The Tractor Supply team is excited to see how these scholarships will help students build brighter futures and contribute to the success of the agricultural and trade industries.
Through initiatives like the FFA Future Leaders Scholarship, Tractor Supply is not only investing in the future of agriculture but also in the individuals who will lead the way in advancing these important sectors. The continued success of the scholarship fund underscores the company’s dedication to strengthening rural communities and supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.
