Grow Your Leadership.
Expand Your Impact.
The Women’s Ag Network (WAN) is proud to announce the launch of our scholarship program designed to support South Dakota women in agriculture, conservation, and ag-adjacent industries as they pursue professional growth and leadership development.
Rooted in a mission to connect, support, and elevate women across agricultural and conservation industries, WAN is committed to creating opportunities that strengthen both individuals and the communities they serve. These new scholarship offerings reflect that commitment by helping remove financial barriers and encouraging continued learning and advancement.
These scholarships are made possible through a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in partnership with Jones County Conservation District and the South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts.
Who is eligible? Women involved in agriculture, conservation, or ag-adjacent fields who are committed to professional development are encouraged to apply.
Merit-Based Scholarship:
The Women's Ag Network Merit-Based Scholarship Program is designed to provide meaningful financial support to women in agriculture, conservation, and related fields who are actively pursuing advanced professional development opportunities. This scholarship is intended for individuals committed to reaching the next level of leadership, expanding their influence, strengthening their skills, and driving impact within their operations, communities, and the broader agricultural industry. Recipients are expected to bring their learning back to their networks, sharing knowledge and contributing to the growth of the women around them. Through this investment, the program aims to cultivate confident, capable leaders who will contribute to the long-term strength and sustainability of agriculture and conservation.
Eligibility
This scholarship is open to women in agriculture, conservation, and related fields who live in South Dakota, or who live in a neighboring state and actively participate in Women's Ag Network programming.
Use of Funds
Scholarship funds may be used to offset significant costs of professional growth opportunities such as conferences, workshops, trainings, certifications, and leadership programs, including registration, program fees, travel, and lodging. Funds may not be used for college or university tuition, degree program fees, or textbooks.
The WAN Merit Based Scholarship Application is open October 1, 2026 through October 31, 2026.
Needs-Based Scholarship:
The Women's Ag Network Needs-Based Scholarship is designed to assist South Dakota women who may face financial barriers in attending events, trainings, or educational programs that enhance their leadership and technical expertise.
Awards of up to $500 are available and can be used to cover travel, lodging, and event or training registration fees. By providing this support, WAN seeks to ensure that more women have the opportunity to grow, connect, and succeed, regardless of financial constraints.
Recipients will be asked to submit a short written reflection on how the opportunity impacted their career.
EligibilityThis scholarship is open to women in agriculture, conservation, and related fields who live in South Dakota, or who live in a neighboring state and actively participate in Women's Ag Network programming.
Use of FundsScholarship funds may be used to offset significant costs of professional growth opportunities such as conferences, workshops, trainings, certifications, and leadership programs, including registration, program fees, travel, and lodging. Funds may not be used for college or university tuition, degree program fees, or textbooks.
The needs-based scholarship will stay open on a rolling basis as funds are available.
Funding for the Women's Ag Network scholarship program is provided through a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in partnership with Jones County Conservation District and the South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts.