scholarships
For over 30 years, the NILE (Northern International Livestock Exposition) has awarded scholarships to deserving FFA and 4-H students who have been leaders in their respective programs, excelled in the classroom, participated in NILE events and are actively involved in their communities.
- High School One Time Scholarship – Awarded to high school seniors that meet the qualifications listed in the guidelines.
- Rolling Scholarship – The rolling scholarships will be offered to a select group of High School Seniors who will have the opportunity to renew the scholarship yearly, up to four years of their secondary education. Recipients of rolling scholarships will be chosen from the pool of applicants that are current seniors in High School.
- Secondary One Time Scholarship – A one-time grant, for students already enrolled in College or a Vo-Tech school meeting the qualifications.
- Shining Star: All qualified applicants are eligible. This scholarship is for an applicant that stands out in the crowd.
- NILE Legacy Award – Offered to students that have been very active in various NILE events from the time they were young!
- Hugh F. Miller Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of long time NILE Member Hugh Miller. A scholarship will be awarded in his memory.
- One-Time $500 Scholarship: Open to HS & current college students that meet the qualifications listed in the guidelines.
- Needle In The Haystack – This scholarship will be randomly drawn for during the NILE Foundation’s Stetson and Stilettos on May 1, 2026. All scholarship applicants will be eligible – must be present to win.
If you’re interested in contributing to the NILE Foundation, send a donation to P.O. Box 1981, Billings, MT 59103
COMING SOON! Announcement of the 2026 Scholarship Recipients. Check back soon for more!
Lauren Anderson
Lauren Anderson is the daughter of Bryan & Becky Anderson of Shepherd, MT. She is currently a student at Shepherd High School, where she will graduate in May. Lauren plans to attend Carroll College in Helena to play volleyball and study Anthrozoology with plans of working in the Mental Therapy sector.
The following students of the class of 2025 have met the rolling scholarship requirements and will be rewarded with their second installment of their scholarship in the amount of $1,000.
Garrett Burkett
Garrett is the son of Jeremy & Karen Burkett of Evansville, WY. Garrett graduated from Natrona County High School last May and started college at Casper College last fall where he is studying Animal Science. Garrett is currently a member of the Casper College Livestock Judging Team and and has a goal of becoming a Veterinarian.
Claire Murnin
Claire is the daughter of Jared & Julie Murnin of Pompey’s Pillar, MT. Currently Claire is serving as the 2025-2026 Montana State FFA President and the 2026 Miss American Angus. Claire plans to transfer to Oklahoma State University in the fall of 2026 and study Agricultural Business Her future plan is to be an Agriculture Lobbyist.
The following students of the class of 2024 have met the rolling scholarship requirements and will be rewarded with their third installment of their scholarship in the amount of $1,000.
Miya Carey
Miya is a current student at Wayne State College in Wayne, NE and plans to transfer to the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy in the fall of 2026, with goals of becoming a Pharmacist. She is the daughter of Tyler & Misty Carey of Atkinson, Nebraska
Jhett West
Jhett West is the son of Justin & Rindy West of Sheridan, WY. Jhett is currently attending Blinn College in Brenham, TX where he is a member of the Livestock Judging Team and is studying Agriculture Economics. In the fall of 2026 he plans to transfer to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK. His future plans include working as an Ag Lawyer once he completes his secondary education.
The following student of the class of 2023 has met these requirements and will be rewarded with their final installment of rolling scholarship in the amount of $1,000.
Leah Beery
Leah is the daughter of Matt & Krista Beery of Circle, MT. Leah is currently attending South Dakota State University majoring in Agriculture Sciences, with a minor in Animal Science . Leah plans on returning to the family ranch after college to be actively involved in the management, financial records and bookkeeping operations.
Ten one-time scholarships have been awarded to the following seniors in high school or current college students in the amount of $500.