Cindy Hollingshead Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Ohio Farm Bureau

Introduction
The Cindy Hollingshead Scholarship Fund was created in 2011 as a tribute to Cynthia Anne (Cindy) Hollingshead in recognition of her 39 years serving as Executive Secretary of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and her lifelong volunteer involvement in local government and community service. The scholarship’s purpose is to support students preparing for careers that emphasize agriculture, community service, or association leadership.

Application deadline
March 31, 2026

Who may apply
1. Applicants must live in the state of Ohio.
2. Applicants must be enrolled in—or plan to enroll in—one of the following educational tracks:
- An accredited high school program with plans to continue as a full-time student at an accredited two-year technical school or a four-year college/university.
- An accredited GED program, with plans to continue as a full-time student at an accredited two-year technical school or a four-year college/university.
- An accredited two-year technical school program.
- An accredited four‑year college or university program.
- An accredited graduate program.

Award disbursement and academic standard
Scholarship funds will be released directly to the recipient after the student provides an official transcript reflecting coursework and grades for the first quarter or semester of the 2026–27 academic year. That transcript must show the recipient has at least a 2.5 GPA in their declared program of study.

Required materials (prepare before starting the application)
This online application takes approximately one hour to finish and must be completed in a single session. Please gather the following items before beginning:
- Transcript: An official high school, technical school, college, or university transcript as applicable.
- Letters of recommendation (three required):
- Three letters from adult leaders, mentors, and/or educators that speak to the applicant’s academics, community involvement, and/or leadership experience.
- Letters cannot be authored by the applicant, anyone under age 21, or any relative or legal guardian of the applicant.
- Each letter should include contact information (at least one phone number).
- Recommendation letters must be dated within the last six months and cannot be reused from a prior application to this scholarship.
- Essay responses (see prompts and limits below).

Scholarship conditions and expectations
- Applicants who receive the award may reapply for future cycles on an annual basis.
- Even if a student’s major is not housed in a college or school of agriculture, the applicant must describe how some component of agriculture or community development—such as food production, scientific research, education/outreach, marketing, policymaking, advocacy, or leadership development—relates to their career goals and how those goals will benefit that sector.

Essay prompts
1) Agriculture shapes daily life—from the food on people’s plates and the clothing they wear to the livestock raised in rural communities. In what ways does agriculture affect your life, and how does it inspire you to take on a leadership role in your community? Provide a detailed example showing how your agricultural career objectives will drive you to become a community leader. (Maximum 500 words)
2) How do you intend to contribute to the future of agriculture? Provide concrete examples. (Maximum 250 words)

Please ensure all materials are complete and ready before beginning the online application to avoid interruption.