Scholarships and Other Financial Aid

Office of Financial Aid
222 Burruss Hall
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0222
http://wwwfinaid.es.vt.edu

The booklet contains the pertinent applications and describes financial assistance programs and application deadlines. For new students, financial aid forms must be completed by March 1 of the year of admission. Students are notified during the summer preceding admission of financial grants made by the university. In addition to university programs, the College of Agriculture and the Department of Dairy Science administer several scholarship programs. 

Several of these scholarships are especially for entering freshmen or transfer students. Early application for admission and scholarships enhance chances for receiving available scholarships. Students with strong qualifications and sincere desire to attend Virginia Tech are also encouraged to apply for Early Decision Plan admission. 

College of Agriculture Merit Scholarships 

Two to five $1,000 merit scholarships are awarded each year to highly qualified entering freshmen in Dairy Science. Selection criteria consist of high school academic performance and leadership achievements as well as financial need. Applications are sent to qualified students after they have been admitted to Virginia Tech. 

Dairy Science Scholarships

1. Philip D. Digges Scholarships 

Four 4-year scholarships with a value of $1,250 each per year have been established in recognition and to honor the memory of Mr. Philip D. Digges, a longtime Virginia dairyman. One Digges scholarship is awarded each year to an incoming freshman and is continued through four years pending satisfactory academic performance and continuing enrollment in the dairy science major. Criteria used for selection include academic achievement, participation in extracurricular activities and financial need. Applicants must reside in the states of Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Maryland with preference given to students residing in Northern Virginia. 

2. Special New Student Scholarships 

Three $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually to: 

• The outstanding freshman FFA member entering dairy science
• The outstanding freshman 4-H member entering dairy science
• The outstanding college transfer student entering dairy science

3. Hackman Foundation Scholarships 

Five to seven $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year. Selection criteria include financial need, academic performance, and extracurricular activities. Current and new students are eligible for these scholarships. 

4. Dairy Industry Scholarships 

Fourteen $1,000 awards are supported by the following milk marketing cooperatives, breed organizations, foundations and families: 

• Dairy Farmers of America (3)
• Maryland-Virginia Milk Producers
• Cooperative Milk Producers
• Harvey Scott
• Petersburg-Hopewell Milk Producers
• Virginia Ayrshire Breeders Association
• Virginia State Dairymen's Association
• Wheatley Johnson family
• Ray Cragle family (2)
• Virginia Jersey Foundation, and
• Horace & Elizabeth Alphin.

5. W. Ray Murley Award 

Two $1,000 awards are presented annually to students who have been enrolled in the dairy science program for at least one year. Selection is based primarily on financial need, with evidence of the student's supporting his/her education expenses through part-time employment during the school year and summers. Scholastic achievement, activities, and leadership potential also receive strong consideration. Applications are made during the fall quarter. Highest ranking applicants are invited to interview with the selection committee. Selection of the recipients is made prior to November 15. 

6. William M. Etgen Memorial Scholarships 

Two scholarships are presented annually to sophomores or juniors in the dairy science major. The awards are made to students who exemplify those qualities representative of Dr. Etgen's life and teaching: spirited enthusiasm, self-motivation, humor and compassion, and an infinite love for the good dairy cow. Application is made for these awards during the spring of a student's sophomore or junior year. 

7. Paul M. Reaves Award 

This award is presented annually. It consists of a plaque and a financial award to each of one or two seniors in dairy science. This award is made to students who have shown leadership through participation in extracurricular activities and who have an interest in developing out- standing dairy cattle. Other qualifications are financial need, satisfactory academic record, and character. Applications are made during the fall quarter. Highest ranking applicants are invited to interview with the selection committee. Selection of the recipients is made prior to November 15.

8. Tracy Stiles Memorial Scholarship

One $1,000 award is presented annually to students who are enrolled in the dairy science program. Selection is based primarily on financial need with preference given to students planning to return to the home farm or enter a career in dairy herd management. Moderate preference is given to students with a background in Jersey cattle. Scholastic achievement, activities, and leadership potential also receive strong consideration. A special application is not required. The recipient is selected in May with the scholarship in effect for the following academic year.  

Applications for the scholarships described in paragraphs 1-4 are sent to new students once the department has been notified of acceptance to Virginia Tech. Further information regarding scholarships and financial assistance can be obtained by writing to: 

Dr. R.E. James
Department of Dairy Science
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0315
(540) 231-4770
email: jamesre@vt.edu

Other Scholarships

1. Virginia Guernsey Scholarships 

Four $200 scholarships awarded annually to qualified Virginia students. For applications or further information, contact Virginia Guernsey Breeders Association, 7127 University Drive, Richmond, VA 22329. Applications are due by August 1. Eligibility requirements (meet one or more). Applicants must: 

1. be or have been active in Guernsey Junior Club work
2. be the son or daughter of a member of the Virginia Guernsey Breeders Association
3. be the son or daughter of Virginia's agriculture or extension service personnel

Borden Award ($400) 
Applications due May 15. Awarded to an outstanding Virginia 4-H member who plans to enter college as a freshman the following year in some area of agriculture. 

DeKalb Agri-Business Careers ($700) 
Applications due September 15. Four national scholarships are awarded to rising college juniors studying in some phase of agri-business such as dairy science, agric. economics, etc. Applicants must have completed 1 year of 4-H work. 

Alpha Gamma Rho 4-H Scholarships ($100) 
Applications due June 1. Given by Virginia Tech Chapter of AGR fraternity to an outstanding Virginia 4-H'er who is a high school senior enrolling in Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture as a freshman the coming school year. 

National Jersey Scholarships (seven $750 scholarships) 
Applications due July 1. For applications and further information, contact American Jersey Cattle Association, 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-2362.