Attention all 4-H and FFA students in their junior and senior years of high school! Midwest Messenger has a great opportunity for FFA and 4-H students who plan to attend college to pursue a degree in agriculture, journalism or communications.
Producer Progress Reports Youth Scholarship Program: A 26-week program where youth in 4-H or FFA will report and write Producer Progress Reports for the Midwest Messenger to receive a $500 scholarship, letters of reference and recommendation, and a possible future internship with the Midwest Messenger.
Students in their junior or senior year of high school are eligible to apply for a 26-week writing program where every other week the student will submit an update on a producer’s progress during the farming season. Each term runs for 26 weeks and starts at the beginning of a quarter. The writing term will last 26 weeks (2 quarters) and the student will be responsible for producing a biweekly report of approximately 250 words updating Midwest Messenger readers on the status of the farming operation they plan to cover. Each student will need to have a personal connection with the producer that they will interview and report on (i.e. parent, grandparent, family member, 4-H leader, etc.). The student will interview the producer, make general observations about the operation’s progress and answer questions related the growing season or livestock production cycle.
Two scholarship programs will be awarded every quarter. Student will receive a $500 scholarship following completion of the 13 written reports over the 26-week period. Student will also receive a letter of recommendation and a certificate of completion. If student excels and shows an ability to be a great communicator, the Midwest Messenger may offer select students an opportunity at a paid internship following the scholarship program.
Application will need to be completed along with a sample writing of 250-350 words describing what is currently happening at the operation they plan to cover and why they want to participate in the scholarship program. A three-person panel will review all applications and select two quarterly students to participate. The main criteria for selection will be based on:
1) Participation in FFA or 4-H
2) Connection to a farm operation
3) General interest in agriculture, communications or journalism
4) Ability to write a quality story (with some coaching)
5) Based in Nebraska or Kansas
Students will receive a list of general questions and guidelines to help with the writing process.
Applicants should contact Ashley Olson at 402-374-3018 or Ashley.olson@lee.net to obtain materials and other information.