Darwin Bryan Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Ohio Farm Bureau

Overview
The Darwin Bryan Scholarship Fund was created in 1983 by the Ohio Farm Bureau Board of Trustees to honor Darwin R. Bryan for his 37 years of devoted leadership. His work with the organization inspired generations of rural young people across Ohio.

Purpose
To provide financial support to students who have participated in Farm Bureau youth activities and/or have parents who are members of the Ohio Farm Bureau so they can continue their education.

Application deadline
March 31, 2026

Who may apply
- Must be an Ohio resident.
- Applicant or the applicant’s parent(s) must hold membership in the Ohio Farm Bureau.
- Applicant must be enrolled in, or planning to enroll in, one of the following accredited programs:
- High school graduate planning to attend an accredited two-year technical school or a four-year college/university as a full‑time student.
- GED program completer planning to attend an accredited two-year technical school or a four-year college/university as a full‑time student.
- Accredited two‑year technical school.
- Accredited four‑year college or university.
- Accredited graduate program.

Scholarship rules and conditions
- Recipients and applicants are eligible to reapply each year.
- The field of study does not have to be within agriculture; however, applicants must explain how some aspect of agriculture or community development (for example: food production, scientific research, education/outreach, marketing, policymaking, advocacy, or leadership development) connects to and supports their career goals.
- Award payments will be issued directly to the recipient after they submit an official transcript showing grades from the first quarter or semester of the 2026–27 academic year. That transcript must demonstrate a minimum 2.5 GPA in the recipient’s declared program of study.

Required materials (prepare before beginning the application)
- Transcript: High school, technical school, college, or university transcript as applicable.
- Letters of recommendation (three total):
- Three letters from adult leaders, mentors, and/or educators that speak to the applicant’s academics, community service, and/or leadership.
- At least one letter must come from a current or former Ohio Farm Bureau leader or volunteer who has observed the applicant’s involvement in Farm Bureau activities.
- Letters may not be authored by the applicant, anyone under 21 years old, a relative, or a legal guardian.
- Each reference must include contact information (at least one phone number).
- Letters must be dated within six months of submission and cannot be reused from a previous application to this scholarship.
- Essays (complete before starting online application):
1) Murray Lincoln, former CEO of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and first executive vice president of the Ohio Farm Bureau, said, "People have within their own hands the tools to fashion their own destiny." Explain what this statement means to you and provide two examples of tools you possess that make you a leader in your community. (500 words or less)
2) How do you plan to contribute to the future of agriculture? Provide specific examples. (250 words or less)

Important note about the application process
This application is expected to take about one hour and must be finished in a single session. Please gather your transcript, secure your three recommendation letters, and draft your essay responses before you begin the application.