Ray DeVries Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Washington Farm Bureau
Description
The Washington Farm Bureau’s Ray DeVries Memorial Scholarship supports students pursuing education and careers that strengthen agriculture and rural communities. It targets high school seniors, current college students, and returning students from Farm Bureau member families who intend to study agriculture or a related field. The program provides annual scholarships to help cover education costs and to encourage continued engagement with agriculture. Applications require a cover sheet and supporting documents submitted to the Washington Farm Bureau office.
- Key takeaways:
- Annual scholarship program administered by Washington Farm Bureau.
- Open to students connected to Farm Bureau member families.
- Supports study in agriculture or closely related fields.
- Applications are submitted to the Washington Farm Bureau office.
Eligibility
Applicants must be members of a Farm Bureau member family (or their legal dependent) with an active membership and must be either high school seniors, currently enrolled college students, or returning students planning to attend postsecondary education. Applicants must be attending or planning to attend an accredited college, university, or technical school. Preference is for students enrolled or planning to enroll in an agricultural field or a course of study that relates directly to agriculture; exceptions require an explanation of the connection. The scholarship may be awarded only once per recipient.
- Key takeaways:
- Must be a Farm Bureau member or dependent of a member family.
- Open to high school seniors, college students, and returning students.
- Must attend an accredited institution.
- Scholarship is a one-time award per person.
Award value and limitations
Each year Washington Farm Bureau offers up to five (5) scholarships of $2,000 each through the Ray DeVries Memorial Scholarship program. Awards are intended to offset educational costs but are limited to the stated amount and number of recipients per year. Recipients may receive the scholarship a single time and should plan their funding accordingly. The organization manages the award distribution directly with institutions.
- Key takeaways:
- Up to five $2,000 scholarships awarded annually.
- Awards are one-time and non-recurring per recipient.
- Funds are sent directly to the recipient’s institution.
Application materials (required)
Applications must include a completed cover sheet plus supporting documents. Required items are: an official transcript (high school or college) — minimum GPA 2.0; at least two letters of recommendation (one from a teacher or advisor); a 1–2 page Career & Agriculture Essay explaining career goals and role in agriculture (plus a ~300-word statement if the major is outside agriculture); an Activities & Experience summary or resume; a brief budget outlining education expenses and funding plan; and proof of enrollment or a signed acceptance/enrollment letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Key takeaways:
- Transcript (most recent) with minimum 2.0 GPA required.
- At least two recommendation letters; one must be from a teacher/advisor.
- Essay: 1–2 pages on career & agriculture; ~300 words if major is non-ag.
- Include resume/activities, budget, and proof of enrollment.
Application timeline and deadlines
For the 2026 cycle, completed student applications and the cover sheet must be submitted to the Washington Farm Bureau office by July 1, 2026. Winners will be announced in August, and scholarship payments must be processed by September 30, 2026. Plan to assemble materials well in advance to meet the July 1 deadline and to allow time for enrollment verification.
- Key takeaways:
- Application deadline: July 1, 2026 (submit to WFB office).
- Winners announced: August 2026.
- Scholarship payments finalized by: September 30, 2026.
Selection notification and payment process
Recipients are selected through the Washington Farm Bureau’s scholarship process and will be notified following the selection period. Scholarship funds are paid directly to the college or university registrar’s office in the winner’s name, not to the student. Ensure your institution’s enrollment verification documents are available so that payment can be completed on schedule.
- Key takeaways:
- Winners are notified after the selection period.
- Payments are issued directly to the institution’s registrar for the student.
- Provide enrollment verification to facilitate payment.
History of the award
The scholarships are offered under the Ray DeVries Memorial Scholarship program, administered annually by Washington Farm Bureau. The program exists to encourage educational advancement in agriculture and related fields among members and their families. It reflects the bureau’s ongoing commitment to developing future agricultural leaders through targeted financial support.
- Key takeaways:
- Part of the Ray DeVries Memorial Scholarship program.
- Administered annually by Washington Farm Bureau.
- Designed to foster education and leadership in agriculture.
How to apply and resources
Complete the scholarship cover sheet and assemble all required documents, then submit the packet to the Washington Farm Bureau office by the stated deadline. If you or your family are not members, visit www.wsfb.com/application to join and confirm membership eligibility before applying. For questions, contact the Washington Farm Bureau office for application forms, cover sheet instructions, and submission details.
- Key takeaways:
- Submit complete application packet (cover sheet + documents) to the WFB office.
- Join or confirm Farm Bureau membership at www.wsfb.com/application if needed.
- Contact Washington Farm Bureau for application forms and instructions.