AMES, IA – The Iowa State University (ISU) Seed Science Center (SSC) and the Iowa Seed Association (ISA) are proud to announce that applications are now open for 15 undergraduate scholarships for 2026. These scholarships aim to support students pursuing careers in agriculture and seed science. The awards include 12 ISA scholarships of $1,000 each, the $1,000 Bill Latham Memorial Scholarship, and the $1,000 Lisa Shepherd Jenkins Memorial Scholarship. Additionally, the Manjit Misra Outstanding Senior Scholar Award will grant an extra $500 to its recipient. The deadline to apply is January 23, 2026, providing students ample time to submit their applications. All ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences students are eligible.
Honoring Legacies Through Education
These scholarships are more than financial awards; they celebrate the legacies of individuals who made significant contributions to the seed industry:
- The Bill Latham Memorial Scholarship honors a trailblazer in the seed industry. Latham, a former president of the Iowa Seed Association, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), and the Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA), dedicated his career to advancing seed science and served as president of Latham Seed, his family’s company. His enduring impact on the industry is remembered through this scholarship, established after his passing in 2015.
- The Lisa Shepherd Jenkins Memorial Scholarship celebrates the life and work of Lisa Shepherd Jenkins, a former Seed Health Testing Coordinator at the Seed Science Center and Director of the National Seed Health System. Known for her leadership in seed health testing and phytosanitary programs, Lisa also chaired committees for ASTA and the American Phytopathological Society. Her dedication to research and service continues to inspire.
“Lisa was an important member of our professional family who was taken away from us at a very early age,” shared Professor Susana Goggi, who worked closely with Jenkins. “She was brilliant and deeply committed to science-based testing and service to the seed industry. This scholarship rewards students who share her passion for research and service.”
Opportunities for Students in Agriculture and Seed Science
The ISA scholarships, valued at $1,000 each, are available to students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, including Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. While two scholarships are specifically for students declaring Seed Science as a secondary major, the remaining awards are open to students in any major who demonstrate an interest in seed science or a related career.
Scholarship recipients are selected based on:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership skills
- Interpersonal abilities
- Demonstrated interest in the seed industry or seed science
Apply Now
These scholarships provide an opportunity for students to achieve their academic and professional goals while contributing to the future of the seed industry. Don’t miss this opportunity—submit your application by January 23, 2026, to be considered.
For more information on how to apply, visit the ISU Seed Science Center website. Together, let’s support the next generation of leaders in agriculture and seed science!