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 offer 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 during different parts of the year; scroll through the page to review available options.
2022-23 Cornell Small Farms Online Course NYS Veteran Scholarships
Applications Open
Scholarships for Online Courses and for Veteran Cohorts. Farm Ops is building two veteran learning cohorts during the 2023-24 online course season. Veterans thrive in learning environments with other veterans. Farm Ops veteran learning cohorts expose veterans to new careers, opinions, experiences, and ideas. This educational strategy builds collaborative networks, facilitates relationships, and builds community. The goal of veteran cohorts is to assist the building and development of the veterans’ agricultural aspirations and farm business goals. Cohorts are built based on various events or circumstances. The number of cohort meetings and types of activities will vary from cohort to cohort.
Learn more about the Starting at Square One Online Course NYS Veteran Cohort. Application Deadline – September 6
Learn more and apply to be part of the Tree Fruit Production Online Course NYS Veteran Cohort. Application Deadline – January 3
Veteran Scholarships for Course of Choice. Additionally, Farm Ops will offering a limited number of scholarships for the online course of your choice. Follow the below steps to apply.
Process Steps:
Step 1. Review the Cornell Small Farms online course offerings.
Step 2. Apply for a scholarship for a course of your choice. Veterans must attend the weekly virtual sessions with the instructor. Application deadlines
Sep-Oct Courses Application Deadline – September 6
Oct-Dec Courses Application Deadline – September 20
Jan- Feb Courses Application Deadline – January 3
Feb-Apr Courses Application Deadline – February 14
Step 3. Receive application approval/disapproval. You will be notified if your application has been accepted within 5 days application deadline. If your application is not accepted, this will provide you time to enroll in the course on your own. Acceptance letters will provide instructions on the enrollment process.
Scholarship recipients will be required to attend a virtual discussion group with veteran associates after the course is complete. If a veteran cannot attend the virtual discussion on the date set, veteran associates will coordinate for an alternate date.
Apply for a scholarship for an online course of your choice.
2023 Scholarships for Events Occurring Across NYS
Scholarship Offering. These scholarships supports a veteran's attendance to various event occurring throughout NYS. Some events are listed below along with a general application for an event of your choice. 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.
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.
Scholarships for In-Person Educational Trainings, Workshops and Conferences of Your Choice
Learn more and apply now for the scholarship.
Below are some upcoming events that qualify for this scholarship. This is not an inclusive list. If there is an agricultural/farming event you would like to attend, you can still apply for a scholarship and we will review it.
Currently Available
NYS Mid-Winter Maple Classic Conference | January 5-6, 2024, Syracuse, NY
Learn ways to optimize your current maple operation, understand the impacts of climate change on maple production, expand your value-added offerings, view and get your hands on the latest and greatest technologies in the trade show, and much more. Learn more and register for this event before applying for the scholarship.
Apply now for the Farm Ops scholarship which will provide up to three attendees reimbursement for up to $100 for the registration fee, up to $150 for lodging, and mileage to and from the event. To be eligible, you must be a veteran residing in NYS and have been producing and selling maple products for at least two years. Awardees will be notified within 10 business days of their application submission.
Past Scholarship Opportunities
Mushroom 101 - Closed
Learning about Livestock Guardian Dogs - Closed
NYS Fiber Conference - Closed
Small Grains Management Field Day - Closed
Small Fruit Opportunities for Small Farms - Closed
Seed Farming 101 - Closed
Soil Health Field Days - Closed
Maple Camp 2023 - Closed
Soil Health Academy: Regenerative Dairying with Grazing - Closed
