Pennsylvania State Grange Announces Scholarships Opportunities

Today the Pennsylvania State Grange announced that members in good standing have the opportunity to receive educational assistance through several Pennsylvania Grange Foundation scholarship and loan programs this spring.

With educational costs and inflation rising, the Pennsylvania State Grange recognizes the importance of supporting Grangers pursuing secondary education opportunities. Through this financial assistance, the Grange hopes to promote studies in agriculture and related fields, which will further support rural communities and bolster local Granges.

The application deadline is May 1, 2023. For more information, contact the state office at (717) 737-8855 or visit pagrange.org/grangefoundation.html for an application. The following scholarships are available:

The Pennsylvania State Grange Foundation Scholarship

Established in 1996 by state delegate action, this scholarship is available to students entering their junior or senior year in college, and financial need must be demonstrated. Applicants are eligible to apply for a $500 scholarship each year, for a maximum of two years. Up to four scholarships will be awarded.

Deaf Interpreter Scholarship

The Pennsylvania State Grange has a long relationship with the deaf community and this scholarship supports the deaf and hard of hearing. Applicants must be enrolled in a credible program leading to certification as an interpreter for the deaf. The Grange will award a $250 grant each year.

The Grange Scholarship Endowment at Penn State University

The endowment scholarship recognizes the outstanding work of an undergraduate student enrolled in their sophomore, junior or senior year at any campus of Pennsylvania State University and demonstrates financial need.

The recipient of this scholarship will be selected by the Penn State Office of Student Aid Scholarship Committee from nominees named by the Pennsylvania State Grange Scholarship Committee.

The $1,500 scholarship will be awarded for one academic year and may be renewed for subsequent years providing the recipient continues to meet the conditions of eligibility and no other eligible students are identified.

Rhone Grant

The Rhone Grant is given in honor of Leonard Rhone, the third Master of the Pennsylvania State Grange, whose great contributions to the State Grange are well known and remembered today.

This grant is available to students pursuing a degree in agriculture or human development and family services at Penn State University. One scholarship in the amount of $300 will be available each year. Eligible candidates must be a member in good standing and secure a recommendation from both the Master of their Subordinate and Pomona Granges.

Santee Student Loans

Ellis M. Santee, an active Grange member and rural doctor, established this loan fund to help Grange members obtain an education.

Grange members or their children may apply for one of five $2000 loans, as long as they are a full-time student at any institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

If selected, students will be required to sign a promissory note to receive the loan. Repayment of this interest-free loan shall begin within six months of graduating or leaving school. The minimum repayment requirement is $30 per month per $1,000 borrowed, payable over a three-year period.