08/31/2026
4-H Friends,
We are now recruiting outstanding rural students for the 2026–2027 Norman Borlaug Youth in Agriculture Program, a rigorous six-month experience that brings some of Texas’ strongest rural youth leaders together with exceptional urban students to tackle complex challenges facing agriculture and the future of Texas.
Students who successfully complete the program and course requirements earn 3 Texas A&M University college credits and a $5,000 educational grant.
Applications are open now | Deadline: October 1
APPLY HERE
Who is eligible to apply from rural Texas?
Students must meet at least one of the following leadership qualifications:
Serve as a Texas FFA Area Officer
Serve as a Texas FFA District Officer
Serve as a Texas FFA Foundation Ambassador
Participate in the Ford Leadership Scholar Program
Serve as a Texas 4-H State Council Member
Serve as a Texas 4-H Ambassador
These leadership experiences identify exactly the type of students we are looking for—young people who have already demonstrated the ability to lead, communicate, follow through, and represent Texas agriculture.
The Borlaug Program intentionally brings these rural leaders together with high-achieving urban students whose backgrounds and experiences may be very different from their own. Together, they work with Texas A&M faculty, industry professionals, and subject-matter experts to investigate complex “wicked problems” involving agriculture, STEM, food and water security, natural resources, technology, economic development, and the future of rural and urban Texas.
Rural students have an additional opportunity: Eligible rural students may apply to both the Harris County and Bexar County/San Antonio cohorts. Students interested in maximizing their opportunity for selection are encouraged to apply to both.
Complete the program and earn:
→ 3 Texas A&M University college credits
→ $5,000 educational grant
→ An intensive six-month educational and leadership experience
→ Connections with university faculty and industry leaders
→ The opportunity to work alongside exceptional rural and urban students from across Texas
There is no cost for students to participate.
Our ask: Please identify the eligible students within our organization who are ready for this level of challenge and encourage them to apply. These young people have already distinguished themselves through leadership. The Borlaug Program gives them an opportunity to take that leadership to another level while ensuring the perspective of rural Texas is represented in conversations about some of our state's most difficult challenges.
APPLY HERE by October 1.
I have attached a flyer with additional information about the program. Please share this opportunity directly with eligible students and their families. I would also be glad to visit with students, parents, advisors, or Extension faculty about the program and expectations.
Thank you for helping us identify exceptional young leaders who are ready for the challenge.
