Who are the scholars?
Each year the program will select 10 new scholars. They will be juniors in high school at the time of applying and must have met the requirements of the Lone Star Degree to apply. The applicants should be highly motivated students with a deep interest in the topic of leadership.
How will they be selected?
The criteria for selection will be based upon 6 characteristics of leadership: Action, Relationships, Vision, Character, Awareness and Continuous Improvement. These six characteristics were identified by leaders of the Agriculture industry as essential characteristics of leadership. The selection process will use an application process, examination covering a leadership book, a phone interview, and an in-person evaluation to select the 10 scholars. A selection committee comprised of industry leaders will review appications and will conduct both phone and in-person interviews.
How will scholars enhance those qualities of leadership?
The scholars will participate in a week long training seminar prior to state convention. During that time they will select a leadership project to work on during the fall semester. Each scholar will also be utilized by the Texas FFA Foundation during the State Convention. Each scholar will be assigned a mentor who will assist the scholar through their leadership project during the fall semester. In January, each scholar will present his or her project results to the entire group for evaluation. If completed successfully, the scholar will have effectively completed the Ford Leadership Scholars program.
What do scholars receive as a result of the program?
First, scholars have a tremendous opportunity to grow as leaders through the training they will receive, the relationship with their mentor, and the exposure they will have to key business and industry leaders. After completing the program, past participants will be targeted as candidates for internships in agriculture industry and policy development. Ford Scholars Alumni will be promoted to industry leaders throughout Texas and during the Texas legislative session.
The scholars will also be recognized on stage at the State FFA convention.
Lastly, each scholar will receive a $1,000 scholarship known as the San Antonio Rural Youth Award provided by the San Antonio Livestock Exposition (S.A.L.E.).
How long does this process from application until conclusion take?
Applications are due in early January for the program. Selection of students will conclude in May, and on June 1, the scholars will be announced. The training begins in early July, and the leadership projects begin in August. The projects should conclude in December with the evaluations occurring in January. The entire Ford Leadership Scholars process should take about 1 full year from application until conclusion. Students will finish in January of their senior year.
How do I apply?
The entire application is completed through the online roster system. Advisors must log onto the Roster System to select students to apply.
The application process requires both student and advisor submission, so students should submit the application in a timely manner, allowing for advisor approval.