Junior Merit Award

A scholarship program of the National Junior Hereford Association

An Award of Excellence
The National Junior Merit Scholarship program is designed to provide recognition for outstanding members of the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA). Its purpose is to encourage individual and cooperative effort, enthusiasm, excellence, leadership, and achievement among youth and to develop good breeders for both Herefords and the beef industry.

Candidates compete for three college scholarships provided by the Hereford Youth Foundation of America totaling $2,250. First place is awarded $1,000, plus a subsidized trip to a Hereford operation in the continental U.S. provided by Harding & Harding Insurance. Second place is awarded $750 and third place receives $500. At least one semester of college must have been completed with at least a "C" or 2.0 grade point average maintained prior to any funds being awarded. Schools that qualify for attendance are a four-year university, a two-year community college or a technical school program. Include a transcript with the application.

Any member of the NJHA is eligible to participate in the Junior Merit Award Scholarship Program. This award program is designed for older junior members who will soon enter college or are already attending college. Applications can be obtained by contacting the AHA Department of Youth Activities.

Applicants must be under 22 years of age as of September 1 in the year of application.

Applicants meeting the age requirements can apply any number of times provided they are not previous winners. First place winners or persons who have placed in the top three twice are not eligible to apply again. A new application must be submitted to apply for the award each year, although the applicant may elect to use the same letters of recommendation

Selection Process
Applications are provided to the National Junior Merit Award selection committee for their designation of applicants who will compete for the three scholarship awards.

In evaluating applications, the selection committee will evaluate the following area:
I. Leadership Activities   
A. Hereford ……………………………………………………...................................…….15%
B. Agriculture Related ………………………………………...............................………10%
C. Community/Civic ………………………………………................................…………10%
II. Employment Experience …………………………….........................…………………5%
III. Management Practices …………………………….......................…………………..10%
IV. Goals ………………………………………………………...............................……………15%
V. Productivity and Management Measures ……................………………………….5%
VI. Marketing …………………………………………………..............................………….10%
VII. Summary Comments ………………………………….....................…………………..10%
VIII. Overall Application Presentation and Letters of Recommendation………..10%

Additional sheets may be included as necessary to complete your application. These scholarships are awarded to further higher education opportunities for NJHA members. The NJHA appreciates the value of a college or technical education and urges juniors to take advantage of every educational opportunity. Most of all, good luck with your Herefords and in developing yourself through your relationships with others and your experiences with cattle.

Return Completed Application to:
American Hereford Association
Department of Youth Activities
P.O. Box 014059, Kansas City, MO 64101
816/842-3757; Fax 816/842-6931