Commercial cattlemen and women are the backbone of the beef industry, and as the next generation of cattlemen prepares to lead the industry forward, the Angus Foundation is providing support through its Commercial Cattlemen Scholarship program. This spring, five students will receive scholarships to help further their education and enhance their careers in agriculture. These scholarships are awarded to those who use Angus genetics in their commercial cattle operations and must be pursuing an undergraduate degree or enrolled in a vocational program at an accredited institution of higher education.  

“This scholarship program is designed to support students with a commercial cattle background in the beef industry,” said Jaclyn Boester, executive director of the Angus Foundation. "Supporting youth in their education is an important part of the Foundation’s mission.” 

Previous applicants have discussed how they incorporate Angus genetics into their breeding programs, noting the benefits they have seen to both the quality of their herd and their bottom line.  

“When it’s time to sell, the Angus calves consistently outperform other cattle in the market, indicating their high demand and superior performance,” said Coy Stamm of Washington, Kansas, and past Angus Foundation Commercial Cattlemen Scholarship recipient.  

Stamm was a student at Kansas State University, majoring in agronomy and plans to return to his family’s farm as the fifth generation to manage the operation. 

“Thank you to the Angus Foundation,” Stamm expressed. “The financial support provided by this scholarship has reduced the burden of my college expenses, allowing me to devote myself to a well-rounded college experience. I am honored to be recognized by successful Angus breeders. After college, my goal is to continue and further develop my family's Angus breeding operation.” 

Two Angus Foundation representatives, two Angus industry representatives and one beef cattle industry leader make up the Commercial Cattlemen Scholarship selection committee, which reviews applications. Emphasis is placed on the applicant’s knowledge of the cattle industry and their perspective of the Angus breed.  

Boester elaborated on the scholarship program, noting, “The scholarship program is one of the most prominent and consistent ways our donors support Angus youth. Our scholarships pave the way for a bright future for our industry by ensuring young people can reach their full potential.”  

Since 1998, the Angus Foundation has awarded over $5 million in undergraduate and graduate scholarships. For more information on the Commercial Cattlemen scholarship, visit www.angus.org/foundation/apply-for-scholarships. Applications for the 2026 Commercial Cattlemen Scholarship are due May 1, 2026. 

About the Angus Foundation Scholarship Opportunities

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). The operation must be considered commercial and not seedstock. The scholarship is open to students in 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 

Undergraduate and Graduate Angus Foundation Scholarships 

One application provides eligibility for more than $250,000 awarded annually through the Angus Foundation Scholarship Program. Available to all junior Angus members, a single completed application qualifies applicants for all listed scholarships. NJAA members can apply via American Angus Association 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 

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-scholarship.