Preston Gant learned to work on equipment on his family farm at an early age, which inspired his interest in diesel mechanics. Photo courtesy of Preston Gant.
When Hubbertville FFA Alumnus Preston Gant applied for the FFA Future Leaders Scholarship, he wasn’t sure he would get it. But he learned through FFA to always do his best, so he filled out the application. Now, he’s one of 146 students from 38 states currently continuing their education thanks, in part, to this scholarship program.
National FFA corporate partner Tractor Supply Co. launched the program in 2022 as a way to help rural students overcome the financial burden of pursuing postsecondary education. Each year, $10,000 and $5,000 scholarships are awarded to FFA members who are pursuing skilled trades or agriculture-related studies. To date, Tractor Supply Co.’s annual fundraiser has raised more than $4 million for the program, including $1 million for the 2026 FFA Future Leaders Scholarship fund (with winners to be announced in April).
For Gant, the scholarship has allowed him to pursue an associate’s degree in diesel mechanics at Bevill State Community College. He grew up working on equipment on his family’s fourth-generation cattle farm in Alabama, and hopes to one day start his own business.
“This scholarship has eliminated any worries about paying for school,” Gant says. “I’m using the funds to pay for tuition, books and other fees, as well as to purchase some tools that I need for my classes.”
Elkmont FFA Alumna Jessa Usery is using scholarship funds to attend Auburn University, where she plans to double major in agricultural communications and law and justice. After graduation, she hopes to work in Washington, D.C., either for a congressperson or as an agricultural lobbyist. Thanks to this scholarship, she also plans to attend the International Leadership Seminar for State Officers (ILSSO) conference in January.
Jessa Usery applied for an agricultural communications proficiency award and won one at the state level. She hosts a podcast named “A Day in Agriculture,” where she discusses agricultural opportunities with industry leaders. Photo courtesy of Jessa Usery.
“I am grateful that both FFA and Tractor Supply believe in me and my future,” Usery says. “Receiving support from such respected leaders in agriculture inspires me to continue working hard and to give back to the agriculture industry, which has given me so much.”
Gant and Usery encourage graduating high school seniors and current college students to apply for this scholarship, as well as additional ones offered by the National FFA Organization.
“You never know what opportunities may come your way unless you take the chance,” Usery says.
Usery (far left) says serving as an Alabama FFA state officer helped her grow as a leader and pushed her out of her comfort zone. Photo courtesy of Jessa Usery.
Apply Online
Nearly $2.5 million is awarded annually through National FFA scholarships. Applications opened Nov. 1, 2025, so start your application and make plans to submit it before Jan. 16, 2026. Completing one application can qualify you for an abundance of opportunities.
National FFA Scholarships are sponsored by AGCO, Bayer, Beck’s, BNSF, Case New Holland, Dairy Farmers of America, Darling Ingredients, Domino’s, the Edgar and Ann Duskin Scholarship, Farm Credit, the Farmers Mutual Hail, FFA Alumni and Supporters, Firestone Ag, Ford, Lincoln Electric, Rabobank and Tractor Supply Co.
