AMERICAN ANGUS ASSOCIATION - THE BUSINESS BREED

2026 Angus Foundation Scholarship Applications Open February 1

Youth encouraged to apply for educational scholarships through May 1.

By Molly Biggs, Communications Specialist

February 5, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

For more information contact:

Holly Martin, director of communications

816-383-5143

hmartin@angus.org

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. Now through May 1, students can apply for the 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 Foundation has awarded over $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.  

Each year students recognize the impact these scholarships have on their lives and education. These young leaders represent the future of the Angus breed.  

“Receiving this scholarship meant the world to me,” said 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; they affirmed her drive to advocate for the industry.  

In 2025, the 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 said. “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 agricultural communications, helping her step into a career focused on educating consumers and advocating for the agriculture industry. 

“Supporting youth in their education is an important part of the Foundation’s mission,” said 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. 

Undergraduate and Graduate Angus Foundation Scholarships 

One application. More than $190,000 awarded annually. The Angus Foundation Scholarship Application is available to all Junior Angus members. One completed application creates eligibility for all listed scholarships. NJAA members can apply via AAA Login through May 1, 2026. 

Access to Application: AAA login (www.angusonline.org/Account/Login), “Programs” tab 

Submission: Through AAA login 

Deadline: May 1, 2026 

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 paper 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. 

Access to Application: Download application at www.angus.org/foundation/apply-for-scholarships/commercial-scholarships 

Submission: Email to scholarships@angus.org 

Deadline: May 1, 2026 

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. 

Access to Application: Download application at www.angus.org/foundation/apply-for-scholarships 

Submission: Email completed materials to scholarships@angus.org 

Deadline: 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. 

View additional opportunities here: www.angus.org/foundation/apply-for-scholarships/external-scholarships 

Deadline: Varies based on Application 

 

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, VoTech and Commercial Cattlemen’s scholarships are due May 1, 2026. 

Application links and full details are available at www.angus.org/foundation/apply-for-scholarships.

Youth encouraged to apply for educational scholarships through May 1

To download photo, click here.  

Cutline: Audry 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, Oklahoma. The Foundation awarded more than $393,000 in scholarships in 2025. 

About the Angus Foundation

Established as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1980, the Angus Foundation remains focused on its mission to support Angus education, youth, and research. The organization has distributed more than $5.3 million in youth scholarships since 1998 and has also invested more than $1.5 million in beef cattle research in the past decade.

For more information, contact the Angus Foundation at 816-383-5100.

ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS

The American Angus Association® is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving more than 21,000 members across the United States, Canada and several other countries. It’s home to an extensive breed registry that grows by more than 300,000 animals each year. The Association also provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers and others who rely on Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers. For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association, visit www.angus.org.

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