Veteran Scholarships
General Veteran Scholarship Information
Farm Ops strives to provide access to resources and training events for veterans pursuing careers in agriculture in New York State. With funding from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, we currently are offering scholarships to veterans and active duty military personnel who attend educational events, workshops, and online courses. This program is intended for individuals interested in starting a farm, currently farming, or seeking a job in the agricultural field. Look for updates on the type and the availability of scholarships below. There are several different scholarships offered in different parts of the year; scroll through the page to review available options.
2022-23 Cornell Small Farms Online Course NYS Veteran Scholarships
Application Closed
Over the summer, be on the lookout for 2023-24 opportunities.
2023 Scholarships for Events Occurring Across NYS
Scholarship Offering. This scholarship supports a veteran's attendance to various event occurring throughout NYS. The events are listed below.
Eligibility. The scholarship recipient must be a U.S. military veteran, which includes those currently serving. Veterans must reside in New York. This scholarship cannot be transferred to a non-veteran family member, although in most cases, field day coordinators allow family members to attend with you; check with the coordinator for the event in which you decide to register.
Process Steps:
Step 1. Register to attend the events. See event links below. Review the list of event date, location, and topics and register for the event if it is right for you.
Step 2. Confirm your desire to request a scholarship. See application links below; fill out form. This form simply assists us in keeping track of how many veterans plan to submit reimbursement and stipend forms. It also includes the question for you attest that you are in fact a veteran, so we do not have to ask you again later in the process. We will use the email address you provide to send you the mileage reimbursement form and processing instructions.
Step 3. Attend the training/workshop. Remember to keep receipts for registration fees and track your mileage to and from the event. You will need this information to submit for reimbursement. Most importantly, enjoy the training!
Step 4. Submit paperwork for reimbursement. A travel reimbursement form with attached receipts must be submitted along with an event evaluation no later than 10 working days after the event.
Currently Available
New York State Fiber Conference | June 11, 2023
Click HERE to learn more about the New York State Fiber Conference and register to attend.
Click HERE to sign up for the New York State Fiber Conference Veteran Scholarship, which will include reimbursement for the registration fee and for mileage to and from the event.
Grasstravaganza 2023 | July 20-22
Click HERE to learn more the Grasstravaganza event and register to attend.
Click HERE to sign up for the Grasstravaganza Veteran Scholarship, which will include reimbursement for the registration fee, lodging (if you stay at SUNY Morrisville as part of your registration) and for mileage to and from the event.
NYS Soil Health and Climate Resiliency Field Days | Multiple Dates to Attend July-September
Click HERE to learn more about these events and register to attend.
Click HERE to sign up for the Field Days Veteran Scholarship, which will include reimbursement for the registration fee, mileage to and from the event and in some cases a stipend to offset additional costs.
Mushroom 101 - Closed
Learning about Livestock Guardian Dogs - Closed
Scholarships for In Person Educational Trainings, Workshops and Conferences of Your Choice
Available Upon Request
Current Educational Training, Workshop, and Conference Scholarship Offering. This scholarship currently offers up to $200 in reimbursement on eligible costs for agricultural trainings, workshops and/or conferences on a first come, first serve basis, while funds are available. At this time, allowable costs include travel expenses and registration fees for trainings (i.e. mileage, event registration). Intensive, multi-day events may be eligible for a higher reimbursement rate that includes hotel costs. Expenses must total at least $25 per event to be eligible for reimbursement.
Eligibility. The scholarship recipient must be on active duty in the U.S. armed forces or a U.S. military veteran. This scholarship cannot be transferred to a non-veteran family member. Veterans are eligible for two training, workshop, and/or conference scholarships per year (April 1 to March 31).
Process Steps:
Step 1. Confirm eligibility and authorization. Training topics must be related to the field of agriculture. Applicants will seek scholarship approval for events as early as possible to ensure that reimbursement can be considered. Since reimbursement will be based on the veteran providing receipts for payment, it is not advised that the veteran delay registration due to a scholarship decision. Until a more formal process is developed, requests for approval shall be in the form of an email to Bailey Colvin blk26@cornell.edu with the subject of the email being Scholarships for Educational Trainings, Workshops and Conferences and containing the below information:
- Name: Full name.
- Service Information: component, dates of service.
- Phone Number: Best phone number to contact you.
- Physical Address: Used to compute mileage, if requested.
- Training/Workshop/Conference Information: name, dates, location of the training/workshop and if available, link to the event information.
- Farm Business: If you have a farm, please let us know your farm's name, location, and types of farm business. Having a farm business is not a requirement.
- Farming Interests: Just a sentence about your interest in the training/workshop/conference.
- Will you be requesting mileage reimbursement? yes or no
- Will you be requesting registration fee reimbursement? If yes, how much?
- Will you be requesting overnight lodging and meals? We will email you to discuss this possibility, several factors will be considered.
Step 2. Attend the training/workshop. Remember to keep receipts for registration fees and hotels in addition to tracking your mileage. You will need this information to submit for reimbursement. Most importantly, enjoy the training!
Step 3. Submit paperwork for reimbursement.
