ASHBA Youth Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by American Saddlebred Horse Breeders Association

Description **Purpose** The ASHBA Youth Scholarship program provides targeted financial support to young people active in the American Saddlebred community who are pursuing post-secondary education. It is administered by the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association and is intended to reward academic effort, industry involvement, and community engagement. Awards are competitive and distributed on the basis of submitted materials that demonstrate a candidate’s readiness for higher education and commitment to the Saddlebred world. Key takeaways: - Supports youth connected to the American Saddlebred industry pursuing further education. - Administered by the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association. - Awards are merit- and evidence-based, using applicants’ submitted materials. - Focuses on academic progress, industry involvement, and personal engagement. Eligibility **Who can apply** Applicants must be ASHBA members, 21 years old or younger, and enrolled in grade 11 or higher. Candidates should have participated in ASHBA Youth Programs and must show a demonstrated commitment to the American Saddlebred industry. Financial need is part of the program’s qualifying factors; eligible applicants are expected to document that need as part of their submission. Key takeaways: - Must be an ASHBA member and age 21 or younger. - Applicants should be in grade 11 or above. - Participation in ASHBA Youth Programs is required. - Demonstrated financial need and industry commitment are expected. Application Requirements **Required materials** Complete applications must include the official application form, a personal essay, academic transcripts, and tax or other financial documentation. Applicants must also submit letters of personal reference that speak to character, academic potential, and industry involvement. All materials must arrive together by the stated deadline; incomplete packets are not accepted. Key takeaways: - Submit application form, essay, transcripts, and financial documentation. - Include required letters of reference with the application. - All materials must be submitted as a single, complete packet. - Incomplete applications risk disqualification. Selection Process **How candidates are chosen** A scholarships committee reviews the complete application packets and evaluates candidates through a structured review process. The committee may request interviews with finalists to clarify materials or assess fit. Final awards are determined after committee deliberation; notifications follow the committee’s decision. Key takeaways: - Applications are evaluated by a review committee. - Finalists may be interviewed before awards are decided. - Committee deliberation produces the final award decisions. - Applicants are notified after the selection process concludes. Application Timeline **Deadlines** The annual application window opens April 15 and remains open through July each year. All required materials — including transcripts, tax information, essays, and references — must be received in the ASHBA office by the stated due date for that award year. Applicants should confirm the precise July deadline and any delivery instructions with ASHBA well before the closing date. Key takeaways: - Application period: April 15 through July each year. - Complete application packets must be received by the ASHBA office by the annual due date. - Confirm the exact deadline and submission instructions with ASHBA. - Allow time for references and document gathering before the deadline. Award Value **Funding overview** Individual scholarship amounts vary from year to year based on available funds and the number of recipients chosen. For current award amounts, distributions, and any limits on how funds can be used, applicants should consult ASHBA directly or review the most recent scholarship materials. The association administers awards annually and publishes specific award details with each application cycle. Key takeaways: - Individual award amounts vary annually. - Consult ASHBA for current award figures and distribution details. - Award specifics (number and amount) are published each application cycle. - Funds are distributed according to ASHBA’s current policies. History of the Award **Background** The ASHBA Youth Scholarship program was established in 1991 to encourage and support young people engaged with the American Saddlebred industry. Since its founding, the program has awarded scholarships to many youth pursuing higher education, with cumulative funds distributed through the years. The program reflects ASHBA’s long-term commitment to developing the next generation of Saddlebred enthusiasts and professionals. Key takeaways: - Program established in 1991. - Created to support youth involved in the American Saddlebred community. - Awards reflect ASHBA’s investment in the industry’s future. - Cumulative scholarship activities have supported many students over time. For precise, up-to-date details (current award amounts, exact deadlines, submission addresses, or questions about eligibility), contact the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association directly or consult the official ASHBA scholarship materials.