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DeSoto Watermelon Association
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The AgriFutures Scholarship Program, presented by the DeSoto Watermelon Association, is designed to support and inspire high school seniors or college students who are passionate about pursuing a career directly related to agriculture. This prestigious scholarship is open to students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 who reside in the Florida counties of DeSoto, Highlands, Hardee, Manatee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Hendry, Okeechobee, and Polk. The program aims to foster the next generation of agricultural leaders by providing financial assistance to three deserving students, each receiving a $5,000 scholarship.​ Through this initiative, the DeSoto Watermelon Association is committed to investing in the future of agriculture and encouraging young talent to advance in this vital industry.
APplication

Scholarship Details

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$5,000 Scholarship

Ten recipients will each receive a $5,000 scholarship. High school seniors or college students who live in these counties can apply:
  • ​DeSoto
  • Hardee
  • Highlands
  • Charlotte
  • Polk
  • Manatee
  • ​Sarasota
  • Hendry
  • Okeechobee
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For the Future of Agriculture

As an agriculture association, we know the importance of agriculture in America.

We want to plant seeds of excellence in those students who are passionate about any and all facets of this vital industry.


Our scholarship empowers students to achieve their agriculture dreams by providing the financial support and resources they need to succeed.
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Unique Benifits

Recipients will receive not only their scholarship.
​They will enjoy the opportunity to:

​
  • Network with agriculture professionals in the watermelon industry at our Watermelon Auction in May 2026.
  • Visit Watermelon Farms in the heartland area and see how watermelons are produced, packed, and shipped. 
  • Recognition on our social media and website.
  • A special award presented at our Annual Auction. This event is required to receive your scholarship.

Application Requirements​

APplication
​Submission Deadline: December 1, 2025
​

County Residency:
You must be a resident of one of these specified counties in Florida:
​DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Charlotte, Polk, Manatee, Sarasota, Hendry, Okeechobee
Current Status: You must be a senior in high school, or enrolled as a college student at the time of application.
Academic Standing: You must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5.
Career Plans: Applicants must be planning to pursue a career directly related to agriculture.
Personal Letter of Recommendation: A Personal Letter of Recommendation can be from employers, coaches, or any other adult who can describe your values, integrity, character and goals.
Academic Letter of Recommendation: An Academic Letter of Recommendation can be from teachers, administrators, or other education related individuals.
Short Essay: A 300-500 word essay where you should address why you want to go into the agriculture field. What motivates you and why are you passionate about agriculture?

Please Note: Application answers may not be written by AI. Applications with AI responses will not be submitted to the selection committee.
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Please Note: Award Recipients will be required to attend the Annual Auction to receive their scholarship
For application questions please contact our scholarship office at:
[email protected]

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  • 2026 Pageants
    • Age 7 & up Pageant Info
    • 2026 Sugar Babe Info
    • Pageants Calendar
    • Areas of Competition
    • Program Book Ad Sales
  • Queen Program
    • Currently Reigning
    • Past Queens
  • Scholarship Program
    • Scholarship Recipients
  • Membership
    • Become a Member
    • Member Only Access
  • Our Association
    • About Us
    • Association Updates
  • Contact Us