Commercial and Vo-tech Scholarships Among 2026 Offerings
Youth are encouraged to apply for educational scholarships through the Angus Foundation by May 1.
February 19, 2026
The Angus Foundation has opened the application period for its 2026 scholarship program, continuing its commitment to supporting the education and leadership development of Angus youth — including those from families of commercial producers buying registered Angus bulls. Now through May 1, students can apply for the Angus Foundation’s broad suite of undergraduate, graduate, vocational or technical, and commercial cattlemen’s scholarship programs.
For more than 27 years, the Angus Foundation has remained steadfast in its mission to empower the next generation through education. Since 1998, the Angus Foundation has awarded more than $5 million in scholarships to students pursuing degrees in agriculture, science, business, communications, veterinary medicine, trade programs and other fields. These scholarships do more than provide financial assistance; they aim to celebrate dedication, leadership and education for students to give back to the beef industry.
“Receiving this scholarship meant the world to me,” says Claire Murnin, a past recipient of the Richard L. Spader Scholarship and Pat Goggins Memorial Angus Scholarship. “It is helping me pursue my educational goals. To the donors, thank you for investing in the Angus breed’s future.”
Murnin, who plans on a career in agriculture, notes the scholarships provided more than financial relief; it affirmed her drive to advocate for the industry.
In 2025, the Angus Foundation awarded $393,000 in scholarships to 142 students with majors ranging from agricultural communications to pharmaceuticals to graduate degrees in meat science and technical certificates.
Kansas junior member Addie Haverkamp, another recent undergraduate scholarship recipient, expressed similar appreciation.
“I used to look up to older members receiving awards, and now I’m one of them,” she says. “Being involved in the Angus breed and with the [National Junior Angus Association] (NJAA) has truly shaped me into the leader I am today.”
For Haverkamp, the scholarship will support her pursuit of a degree in ag communications, helping her step into a career focused on educating consumers and advocating for the agriculture industry.
Audrey Curtin of Illinois and Claire Murnin of Montana accept the Richard L. Spader Angus Foundation Scholarship from Sheri Spader at the National Junior Angus Show in Tulsa, Okla. [Photo courtesy of the American Angus Association.]
“Supporting youth in their education is an important part of the Foundation’s mission,” says Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director. “Our scholarships are one of the most prominent and consistent ways our donors support Angus youth. They pave the way for a bright future for our industry by ensuring young people can reach their full potential.”
The Angus Foundation offers multiple scholarship categories, ensuring a pathway for students from different operations and educational goals.
Commercial Cattlemen Scholarship
The Angus Foundation will award five $1,500 scholarships to undergraduate students who use Angus genetics in a commercial cattle operation. The applicant or their parent/guardian must have transferred or been transferred an Angus registration in the last 36 months (on or after May 1, 2023) and must be considered commercial and not seedstock in their operation. The scholarship applies to any field of study.
Vo-Tech Scholarship
New in 2026, the Angus Foundation will award scholarships to support students pursuing vocational or technical education related to the beef industry. The Vo-Tech Scholarship is designed for individuals seeking specialized training at accredited technical schools, community colleges or certification programs that prepare them for hands-on careers in agriculture and allied industries.
Undergraduate and graduate scholarships
With one completed application, junior member can apply for more than $190,000 in scholarships. The Angus Foundation Scholarship Application is available to all NJAA members. One completed application creates eligibility for all listed scholarships. NJAA members can apply via AAA Login through May 1, 2026.
External scholarships
In addition to the many scholarships available through the general undergraduate scholarship application, NJAA members may be eligible for additional Angus Foundation scholarships administered by partners who share our mission.
The Angus Foundation encourages all eligible youth to apply for this year’s scholarship opportunities and take the next step toward building their future. Applications for programs including undergraduate, graduate, vo-tech and commercial cattlemen’s scholarships are due May 1, 2026. Deadlines for external scholarships vary.
Application links and full details are available here.
Editor’s note: Molly Biggs is a communications specialist for the American Angus Association. [Lead photo by ballycroy from Getty Images.]
Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, Vol. 18, No. 2-B
Topics: Association News , News
Publication: Angus Beef Bulletin
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