NILE Scholarship Program

For 30 years, 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. "Few things are as essential to survival as production agriculture! Therefore, we must continue to create and support AGvocates," says Jennifer Boka, General Manager of the NILE. "The NILE is proud to increase educational opportunities for youth through scholarships! The NILE, supporting the future of agriculture, through today’s youth."

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 Stetson & Stilettos, June 2020. 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

Scholarship Information & Applications

2020 NILE Freshman Scholarship Guidelines

2020 NILE Freshman Scholarship Application

2020 NILE Secondary Scholarship Guidelines

2020 NILE Secondary Scholarship Application

2019 One Time Freshman Recipients - $1,000

Walker Anttila

Walker Anttila is the son of John & Samantha Anttila of Joliet, MT. He currently a student at Joliet High School, where he will graduate in May. Walker plans to attend Casper College in Casper, Wyoming to study Animal Science & Ag Communications with hopes of becoming a County Extension Agent in the future.

Codie Bowen

Codie be attending Southern Utah University in Cedar City, UT were she plans to study Ag Business with a minor in Accounting. Codie's future plans include securing a job as an Agricultural Accountant. In May, Codie will graduate from Huntley Project High School. Codie is the daughter of Scott and Tami Bowen of Worden, MT.

Brooke Johnson

Brooke is the daughter of Evan & Stephanie Johnson of Huntley, MT. After graduation from Huntley Project High School, she plans to attend Montana State University - Bozeman to study Ag Education. Brooke plans to work as a County Extension Agent following college.

McKenzie Mork

McKenzie Mork is a soon-to-graduate of Forsyth High School. She is the daughter of Don & Ann Mork. McKenzie plans to attend Montana State University - Bozeman to study Biological Engineering with hopes of researching genetics in the beef industry.

Shelbie Oblander

Shelbie Oblander is undecided where she plans to attend college, but plans to study Physical Therapy. Her future plans include becoming a Physical Therapist. She is the daughter of Clayton and Arla Oblander of Ballantine, MT.

Edward Shay

Edward Shay is the son of Brent & Karla Shay of Laurel, MT. Edward will graduate in May from Park City High School and plans to attend Northwest College in Powell, WY to study Agricultural Business with intentions of working as an Ag Loan Officer in the future.

Anna Slivka

Anna Slivka is the daughter of Shane and Erin Slivka of Winifred, MT. Currently, Anna is a soon-to-be graduate at Winifred High School where she will graduate in May. After graduation, she plans to attend Montana State University - Bozeman in Bozeman, MT to pursue a degree in Ag Communications.

2019 Shining Star Freshman Scholarship - $2,000

Kristen Vincent

Kristen Vincent plans to attend Montana State University - Bozeman to major in Secondary Broadfield Science Education with future plans of becoming a high school science teacher. Kristen is a soon-to-be graduate of Hobson High School in Hobson, MT. She is the daughter of Bryan and Kimberly Vincent.

2018 Secondary Scholarship Recipients - $1,000

Erika Arnold

Erika is a current student at Montana State University - Northern pursuing a degree in Graphic Design & Business Administration with a minor in Marketing. Erika's goal is to become a Marketing Specialist following graduation. Erika is the daughter of Rhonda Arnold of Chinook, MT.

Kyle Daniels

Kyle is the son of Dan and Teresa Daniels of Chubbuck, ID. At the present time, Kyle is studying Radiographic Science at the University of Idaho. His future plans include working as a Radiographic Technologist and assisting on the family ranch.

Hannah Esch

Hannah Esch is the daughter of Don & Linda Esch of Unadilla, NE. Currently, Hannah is a junior at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln in Lincoln, NE studying Animal Science. Hannah's future plans include working as the owner of a direct-to-consumer beef business. Hannah was one of the great interns at the 2017 NILE Stock Show!

Galen Kretschman

Galen Kretschman is a current freshman at Sheridan College, Sheridan, WY. Galen is studying Agribusiness with hopes return to family ranch following his secondary education. He is the son of Kale and Kim Kretschman of Gillette, WY.

Morgan Sanchez

Native of Bear River, WY and daughter of Eddie and Dawn Sanchez, Morgan Sanchez is a current student at Redlands Community College in El Reno, OK. She is pursuing a degree in Animal Science with an Artificial Insemination minor. Morgan hopes to become a Livestock Reproduction Specialist following her secondary education.

Katia Voloshin

Katia is a current student at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business. Katia's goal is to pursue a job in the Ag industry following graduation. Katia is the daughter of Mark & Sue Voloshin of Craig, CO.

Tara Tellefson

Tara is the daughter of Myles and Lisa Tellefson of Warden, WA. At the present time, Tara is studying Elementary Education at Big Bend Community College. Her future plans include working as an Elementary Teacher following college.

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 Communications & Animal Science. Carissa hopes to an Animal Nutritionist following her secondary education.

2019 Rolling Scholarship Recips - $1,000 Annually

Brandi Fuller

Brandi Fullerl plans to attend University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY to major in Ag Business after graduation from Wright Junior Senior High School in Wright, WY. Brandi is the daughter of Pat and Angel Fuller of Wright, WY.

Bethany Lyford

Bethany Lyford, a soon-to-be graduate of Flathead High School is the daughter of Joel and Helen Lyford of Kalispell, MT. Bethany plans to attend Montana State University in Bozeman, MT to pursue a degree in Animal Science. Her future goals include working as an Embryologist.

Claire Stevenson

Claire is the daughter of Darrell and Sara Stevenson of Hobson, MT. Claire plans to attend Montana State Univserity in Bozeman, MT to major in Microbiology & Genetics. Claire hopes to work as a Researcher after completing college.

2018 Rolling Scholarship Recips - $1,000 Annually

Mamie Hertel

Mamie Hertel is attending Montana State University in Bozeman, MT majoring in Financial Engineering Mamie is the daughter of Koly Hertel and Ruth Boedecker of Lewistown, MT. Mamie has spent the past year serving as the Montana State FFA Secretary. Her future plans include becoming a corporate lawyer.

Lainee Hill

Lainee Hill is the daughter of David and Julianne Hill of Townsend, MT. Laniee is attending Montana State University in Bozeman, MT pursuing a degree in Animal Science with a minor in Genetics. Her future goals include working in the field of Veterinary Medicine. Lainee has spent the past year serving as the Montana State FFA Parliamentarian.

Andrea Rutledge

Andrea is the daughter of Kelly and Kristie Rutledge of Big Sandy, MT. Andrea is attending Montana State Univserity in Bozeman, MT majoring in Animal Science. Andrea is serving as the 2019 Montana State FFA 2nd Vice President. Andrea hopes to work as a Veterinarian 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 currently attending Laramie County Community College where she is pursuing a degree in Animal Science. Konnar plans to transfer to West Texas A & M in Canyon, TX this fall.

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 Recips - $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 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 University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY majoring in Agriculture Business. Hannah's hopes become a sales representative within the agriculture industry after college.

Needle In The Haystack Scholarships

The NILE awards two 'Needle In The Haystack' Scholarships. One was awarded at the 2019 Stetsons and Stilettos in the sum of $500. The other was awarded at the 2019 Jr. Fed Sale.

Each year at Stetsons & Stilettos one individual is drawn at random. All of the 2019 NILE Scholarship Applicants, 2019 NILE Scholarship Recipients, and past Rolling Scholarship Recipients were eligible. The lucky winner from the 2019 Stetsons and Stilettos drawing was Claire Stevenson!

The Jr Fed "Needle in the Haystack" scholarship was given out at the NILE in 2019 to one lucky Jr. Fed exhibitor. Of the eight Champion Senior Showman from all four species (hogs, lambs, goats, & steers), Bailey Lake of Kalispell, MT was the lucky recipient drawn at the beginning of the 2019 NILE Jr Fed Sale of Champions Sale.

For a chance to win the 2020 'Needle in the Haystack' applicants or immediate family must be present to win at either Stetsons and Stilettos or the Jr. Fed Sale, June 2020 and October 2020 respectively.

Thank you!