NILE Scholarship Program

Since 1990, the NILE has awarded scholarships to deserving FFA and 4-H students that have been actively involved in their respective programs and communities, excelled in the classroom, and participated in NILE events. "Promoting the future of agriculture through the support of youth via scholarships is a long-standing tradition of NILE." says Jennifer Boka, General Manager of the NILE. "Educating today's youth to be tomorrows ag proponents is crucial to the entire world and we at the NILE are proud to support and embrace the future of agriculture."

Similar to previous years, the NILE Scholarship Committee will be awarding five levels of scholarships.

High School One Time Scholarship - Awarded to high school seniors that meet the qualifications listed in the guidelines.

Secondary One Time Scholarship - Offered will also be 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.

Needle In The Haystack – This scholarship will be awarded to any NILE scholarship applicant if they attend Stetsons & Stilettos in May 2018. The winner will be randomly drawn that night.

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.

The NILE Foundation was established in 2009 as a supporting arm of the NILE organization, which is dedicated to the promotion of livestock, agriculture education and respect for the western culture.

Each year the NILE and NILE Foundation touch the lives of nearly 10,000 youth through the many programs, events, "live" animal scholarships, and college scholarships. Together, these organizations provide over $75,000 in cash and live animal scholarships annually. If you're interested in contributing to the NILE Foundation send a donation to P.O. Box 1981, Billings, MT 59103

2018 One Time Freshman Recipients - $1,000

Macy Collins

Macy Collins is the daughter of Lex & Kathleen Collins of Meeker, CO. She currently a student at Meeker High School, where she will graduate in May. Macy plans to attend Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas to study Animal Science with hopes of becoming a AI Specialist or Embryologist in the future.

Galen Kretschman

Galen is undecided where he will attend college this fall but plans to study Agriculture Business with intentions of returning to the family ranch. In May, Galen will graduate from Arvada-Clearmont High School. Galen is the son of Kale and Kim Kretschman of Gillette, WY.

Morgan Sanchez

Morgan is the daughter of Eddie & Dawn Sanchez of Bear River, WY. After graduation from Evanston High School, she plans to attend Redland Community College in El Reno, OK. Morgan plans to work as an Animal Reproduction Physiologist and offer laparoscopic AI in animals.

Frankie Sindelar

Frankie Sindelar is a soon-to-graduate of Billings Central Catholic High School. She is the daughter of Kim Sindelar-Thompson and the late Frank Sindelar. Frankie is undecided where she would like to attend college, however she plans to study Animal Science/Agri-business with hopes of returning to the family ranch or practice as a large animal veterinarian.

Abigail Stevenson

Abigail Stevenson plans to attend Montana State University in Bozeman, MT to study Animal Science. Her future plans include becoming a large animal veterinarian. Abigail will graduate from Hobson High School in May. She is the daughter of Clint and Adana Stevenson of Hobson, MT.

Nicole Stevenson

Nicole Stevenson is the daughter of Doug & Sharon Stevenson of Joliet, MT. This Valedictorian of Joliet High School will graduate in May and plans to attend Montana State University in Bozeman, MT to study Agricultural Business - Agribusiness Management with intentions of working in the Agricultural Marketing world.

Tara Tellefson

Tara Tellefson is the daughter of Myles and Lisa Tellefson of Warden, WA. Currently, Tara is a soon-to-be graduate at Lind-Ritzville High School in Ritzville, WA where she will graduate in June. After graduation, she plans to attend Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, WA to pursue a degree in AgriBusiness.

2018 Shining Star Freshman Scholarship - $2,000

Sheldon Johnsen

Sheldon Johnsen plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Lincoln to major in Agriculture Education with future plans of becoming an Ag Instructor or Extension Agent. Sheldon is the soon-to-be graduate of Medicine Valley High School in Curtis, NE. He is the son of Scott and Shawna Johnsen.

2018 Secondary Scholarship Recipients - $1,000

Morgan Gantz

Morgan is a current student at Kansas State University pursuing a degree in Animal Science. Morgan's goal is to become a Livestock Nutrition Consultant following graduation. Morgan is the daughter of Mark & Angela Gantz of Perry. Kansas. Morgan was one of the great NILE interns of 2017.

Riley Haun

Riley is the daughter of Bill and Kelly Haun of Wilder, ID. At the present time, Riley is studying Agricultural Science, Communications and Leadership at the University of Idaho. Her future plans include working as an Agricultural Lawyer or Lobbyist.

Bryson Mills

is the daughter of Howdy and Sheila Hildebrand of Joliet, MT. At the present time, ShayLe is studying Ag Business at Northwest College in Powell, WY. Her future plans include working as a Market Reporter for the United States Cattlemen's Association.

Danni Nardinger

Danni is studying to become a registered nurse at Montana State University - Billings. She is the daughter of Phillip and Stacie Nardinger of Joliet, MT. Danni also competes on the MSUB College Rodeo Team.

Carissa Workman

Native of Grass Range, MT and daughter of David and Cathy Workman, Carissa Workman is a current student at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT. She is pursuing a degree in Agricultural Relations with an Animal Science minor. Carissa hopes to an Animal Nutritionist following her secondary education.

2018 Rolling Scholarship Recips - $1,000 Annually

Mamie Hertel

Mamie Hertel plans to attend Montana State University in Bozeman, MT to major in Business Finance after graduation from Moore High School in Moore, MT. Mamie is the daughter of Koly and Ruth Hertel of Lewistown, MT. Her future plans include becoming a corporate lawyer and eventual US Senator of the State of MT.

Lainee Hill

Lainee Hill, a soon-to-be graduate of Broadwater High School is the daughter of David and Julianne Hill of Townsend, MT. Laniee plans to attend Montana State University in Bozeman, MT to pursue a degree in Pre-Veterinary/Animal Science. Her future goals include working in the field of Veterinary Medicine.

Andrea Rutledge

Andrea is the daughter of Kelly and Kristie Rutledge of Big Sandy, MT. Andrea plans to attend Montana State University in Bozeman, MT to major in Animal Science, with the option Livestock Management & Industry. Andrea hopes to work as a Beef Reproduction Specialist after completing college.

2017 Rolling Scholarship Recips- $1,000 Annually

Konnar Knotwell

Konnar is the daughter of Guy and Lael Knotwell of Encampment, WY. Konnar is attending Laramie County Community College where she is pursuing a career in Farm & Ranch Management. Konnar has been active in many activities at LCCC such as College Rodeo and the Livestock Show Team.

Kelsey Kraft

Kelsey is attending Montana State University in Bozeman, MT double majoring in Agricultural Education and Elementary Education. She has spent the past year representing Montana FFA as State FFA Reporter. Her future plans include becoming an Ag or Elementary Teacher. Kelsey is the daughter of Rick and Brenda Kraft of Billings, MT.

Ty Paisley

Ty Paisley is the son of Steve and Carrie Paisley of Wheatland, WY. Ty is currently attending the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY to majoring in Animal Science. Ty hopes to return to the family ranch and become the 5th generation rancher after completing college.

2016 Rolling Scholarship Recipients - $1,000 Annually

Molly Cooksey

Molly Cooksey is the daughter of Jeffrey and Amy Cooksey of Roggen, CO. Molly is currently attending Colorado State University in Fort Collins , CO to pursuing a degree in Animal Science with a minor in Food Science/Safety and a Meat Science Certificate. Molly just recently finished her Associate's of Science Degree at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO.

Elizabeth French

currently attends Montana State University in Bozeman, MT pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business, while competing on the MSU Rodeo Team. Elizabeth is the daughter of Jim and Debbie French of Pompey's Pillar, MT. Her future plans include becoming an Ag Lender after college.

Hannah Kraft

Hannah is the daughter of Rick and Brenda Kraft of Billings, MT. Hannah is currently attending Northwest College in Powell, WY majoring in Agriculture Business, while competing on the Livestock Judging Team. Hannah plans to transfer to the University of Wyoming in the Fall to continue her secondary education.

2015 Rolling Scholarship Recipients - $1,000 Annually

Cody Boyce

Cody Boyce, native of Lewistown, MT and daughter of Bill and Kim Boyce, is a current sophomore at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT pursuing a degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She plans on transferring to Vet School after completing her undergraduate studies.

Cierra Lamey

Cierra is attending the University of Montana - Western in Dillon, MT to obtain a degree in Biology. Her future plans include applying for Vet School post undergrad and becoming a practicing Veterinarian. Cierra is the daughter of Cory and Kari Lamey of Wise River, MT.

Jayelyn Ruckman

Jayelyn is the daughter of Bruce and Janae Ruckman of Fairfield, MT. Jayelyn is currently attending Montana State University in Bozeman, MT majoring in Animal Science. While in college, Jayelyn has competed on the livestock judging team at Casper College and MSU. She was also one of the fantastic NILE Interns in 2017!

New in 2017 (and the tradition will carry on with the same format in 2018), the NILE awarded two 'Needle In The Haystack' Scholarships. One was awarded at Stetsons and Stilettos in the sum of $500. The other was awarded at the 2017 Jr. Fed Sale.

All of the 2017 NILE Scholarship Applicants, 2017 NILE Scholarship Recipients, and past Rolling Scholarship Recipients were eligible.

For a chance to win the 2018 'Needle in the Haystack' applicants or immediate family must be present to win at either Stetsons and Stilettos or the Jr. Fed Sale, May 11th and October 15th respectively.

The lucky winner from the 2017 Stetsons and Stilettos drawing was Elizabeth French! See above for her biography. The second scholarship was given out at the NILE in 2017 to one lucky Jr. Fed exhibitor. Of the eight Champion Senior Showman from all four species (hogs, lambs, goats, & steers), Taylor's name was drawn at the beginning of the 2017 NILE Jr Fed Sale of Champions Sale.

Taylor Rives

Taylor is the daughter of Miles and Tiffany Rives of Buffalo, WY. She plans to attend Casper College this fall to pursue a degree in Animal Science and Agribusiness.

Scholarship Information & Applications

2018 NILE Freshman Scholarship Guidelines

2018 NILE Secondary Scholarship Guidelines

Rolling Scholarship Renewal Form

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