Jenny Lynn Stiles-Hudson Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Washington Cattlemen's Association

Description
- **Purpose of the scholarship**
This scholarship, offered by the Washington Cattlemen’s Association in partnership with the Stiles family, supports students pursuing postsecondary education who demonstrate a connection to and commitment to the beef industry. It honors Jenny Stiles’ energetic advocacy for agriculture, her faith and family values, and her belief in young people as the future of the beef industry. The award recognizes applicants who show involvement in beef production or related activities and who articulate how continued education will help them contribute to that industry.

Key takeaways:
- Provided by Washington Cattlemen’s Association and the Stiles family.
- Honors Jenny Stiles’ dedication to agriculture and community.
- Focused on students committed to the beef industry.

Eligibility
- **Who can apply**
Applicants must be Washington state residents who are enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students at an accredited 2-year community/technical college or a 4-year college/university. Both returning and newly enrolled students who meet residency and enrollment requirements are eligible. Make sure you can demonstrate Washington residency and current enrollment status when you apply.

Key takeaways:
- Must be a Washington resident.
- Open to undergraduate and graduate students.
- Enrollment must be at an accredited 2-year or 4-year institution.

Award Value
- **Funds and disbursement**
The scholarship amount is not specified in the posted materials; applicants should contact the Washington Cattlemen’s Association for current award value. The recipient will be announced in August 2026, and scholarship funds will be disbursed at the start of the Fall semester or quarter. Ensure you provide a correct mailing address (city/state/zip) where a check can be sent.

Key takeaways:
- Award amount is not listed publicly—confirm with WCA.
- Recipient announced August 2026.
- Funds are provided at the beginning of the Fall term and mailed to the address you supply.

Application Timeline
- **Important dates**
The announcement date for the scholarship recipient is August 2026, with funds delivered at the beginning of the Fall term. The published materials refer to a submission “due date” but do not list a specific deadline; applicants must confirm the exact application deadline with the Washington Cattlemen’s Association. Plan to gather materials well in advance of August to allow for letters of recommendation and any school enrollment verifications.

Key takeaways:
- Recipient announced in August 2026.
- Funds disbursed at start of the Fall semester/quarter.
- Confirm the specific application deadline with WCA (not listed in the materials).

How to Apply
- **Submission method and format**
Prepare a single, separate document containing the requested personal information, responses to the prompts, and the required attachments, then email it to frontdesk@wacattle.org by the application deadline. The organization requests all materials be compiled into one submission file (plus separate letters of recommendation if applicable) and submitted electronically. Follow the requested content list precisely to ensure your application is complete.

Key takeaways:
- Submit one document by email to frontdesk@wacattle.org.
- Send the application by the stated deadline (verify exact date with WCA).
- Compile materials carefully to avoid missing items.

Required Materials
- **What to include with your application**
Your application must include basic contact and school information plus supporting documents. Required items are: name; mailing address (city/state/zip where the check can be mailed); phone number; email address; college name and major; year in school; two letters of recommendation; and a photo (headshot or similar). In addition, write and include short statements that address the specified prompts about your agricultural background, goals, values, and need.

Key takeaways:
- Provide contact, school, and year-in-school information.
- Include two letters of recommendation and a photo.
- Attach written responses to all required prompts (see next section).

Application Content (Essay Prompts)
- **Prompts to address**
Respond concisely but thoughtfully to each prompt in your application document. Required written items include: a short bio for use if awarded (explain why agriculture matters to you, how you will contribute after graduation, and why the funds matter); past and current involvement in the beef industry; future goals; how moral and spiritual values have influenced your life (church and community activities); and an explanation of why you should receive the scholarship (including any financial need). Each answer should be clear, specific, and reflective of your connection to agriculture and community service.

Key takeaways:
- Provide a short bio for publicity/use if awarded.
- Describe past/current beef-industry involvement and future goals.
- Explain values, community involvement, and why you merit the award (include financial need if applicable).

Selection Considerations
- **What reviewers will likely evaluate**
While the application does not publish a formal rubric, reviewers will use the materials you submit to assess fit with the scholarship’s purpose. Evaluators will likely consider demonstrated commitment to the beef industry, clarity of career goals, evidence of community and spiritual engagement, the strength of recommendation letters, and the applicant’s stated need. Clear, complete submissions that directly answer the prompts and provide strong references will be most competitive.

Key takeaways:
- Reviewers look for commitment to beef/agriculture and clear future plans.
- Community/spiritual involvement and recommendation letters matter.
- Complete, well-organized answers improve competitiveness.

History of the Award
- **The Stiles family and Jenny’s legacy**
The scholarship is a partnership between the Washington Cattlemen’s Association and the Stiles family, created to honor Jenny Stiles’ life and values. Jenny was known as a passionate, faith-driven advocate for agriculture who believed in resilience, family, and the promise of the next generation. The award commemorates her spirit by supporting students who share her dedication to the beef industry and community.

Key takeaways:
- Fund established in partnership with the Stiles family.
- Honors Jenny Stiles’ advocacy, faith, and dedication to agriculture.
- Focuses on supporting future contributors to the beef industry.

Contact
- **Where to confirm details or ask questions**
For the most accurate and current information (award amount, exact deadline, and any submission clarifications), consult the Washington Cattlemen’s Association directly or review their official website. If you have questions about the application contents or process, reach out to the WCA front desk as listed on the association’s site prior to submitting your application.

Key takeaways:
- Verify award amount and deadline with WCA before applying.
- Use the WCA website to find the latest contact information and instructions.
- Address questions to WCA staff before the submission deadline.