Erie County Agricultural Society scholarship applications now available

The Erie County Agricultural Society is now accepting applications for scholarships for 2022. There will be $25,000 awarded to deserving high school seniors and college students up to their junior year. Since its inception in the 1950s, the goal of the scholarship program has been to connect the region’s students with agriculture, business and volunteerism.

The Erie County Fair scholarships seeks students who are enrolled or enrolling in a college or university. These students must have participated in the Erie County Fair in some capacity in order to be eligible. Participation includes, but is not limited to, employment, exhibition, volunteering, marching band or other performances.

The scholarship is limited to students who are pursuing an agriculture-related career. Students must be enrolled or enrolling in a college or university, and must be able to describe how their field of study will help them in their agricultural endeavors. Applicants must show participation in the Erie County Fair or Erie County Agricultural Society-sponsored activities.

Over the years, scholarship winners have participated in a variety of activities at the Erie County Fair, including performing in the marching band, assisting the media around the grounds, exhibiting in the creative arts building, showing livestock, volunteering and even working in a concession stand.

There are a limited number of scholarships that will be awarded. Eligible applicants do not have to attend a college in Erie County or be residents of New York.

The 2022 scholarship applications are available online or at area high schools and colleges. The application postmark deadline is April 8.

Additional scholarship monies for students active at the Erie County Fair are available from the New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs and New York State Showpeople’s Association. These applicants must be endorsed by the Erie County Fair. More information is available at NYSAAF: Scholarships (nyfairs.org).

Questions regarding the scholarship program should be directed to the Maria Lucero at 716-649-3900, ext. 6413.

The Erie County Agricultural Society is a private not-for-profit membership organization. Established in 1819, it is the oldest civic organization in Western New York. The ECAS mission is to preserve and enhance, by educational endeavors, the agricultural and historical legacy of New York. Learn more at www.ECFair.org.