The AgStar Fund for Rural America, the corporate giving program of AgStar Financial Services, is now accepting applications for its scholars program, which awards up to 10 $2,000 scholarships to students from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, Wis.

The AgStar Scholars Program is designed for students who are interested in agricultural financing or agricultural-related careers. The program provides education, support and insight for junior level and/or third year students at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities or the University of Wisconsin, River Falls.

In addition to receiving a $2,000 scholarship, recipients participate in a half-day informational seminar hosted by AgStar. This is an opportunity for AgStar team members, including President and CEO Paul DeBriyn to share an overview of agricultural financing in general, and for AgStar in particular. The seminar also includes several guest lecturers focusing on specific areas within agricultural financing.

“AgStar is committed to supporting youth who are passionate about agriculture,” said DeBriyn. “They are shaping the future of the industry, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help them explore their career path.”

To apply for the scholars program, students should visit our website at AgStar.com/collegerelations and complete the online application. Applications are accepted through Jan. 18, 2013.

To date, the fund has given $154,000 in scholarships to 77 students through the scholars program, which began in 2003. Since its inception in 2001, the AgStar Fund has donated more than $4 million to organizations working to improve the future of rural America.