This scholarship fund was established in 2023 by friends and family of Ernestine “Ernie” Keiser. Ernie was a long-time Grange member in Virginia and a charter member of Beach Community Grange #958, VA, which was chartered in 1959. She was very supportive of the Youth program at the local, state, and national levels. Ernie was a firm believer in the importance of education, and her family and friends desired to continue her legacy by establishing this scholarship program. The value of the scholarship is $1,000.
Scholarship Requirements
- Applicant must be a Grange member in good standing with a minimum of one year of membership.
- Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors or continuing two-year community college, four-year college/university, or postsecondary vocational school students attending an accredited school. Students pursuing graduate degrees or higher vocational certifications are also eligible to apply.
- Scholarship is available to full-time or part-time students.
- An applicant is eligible to apply for the scholarship each year; however, if selected, will only be eligible to receive it a maximum of two times.
- Two (2) – Recommendation Letters are required. The writers of the letters of recommendation must be unrelated to the applicant.
- One letter from a member of the applicant’s Community (local) Grange. It may be an officer or member of the Community Grange.
- One letter from a teacher/guidance counselor/mentor. The letter should be on school letterhead or organizational letterhead, if applicable.
- Essay – The applicant may use one of the prompts below for their essay. The limit is a maximum of 500 words, or the equivalent of two pages, typed and double-spaced.
How to apply
- Paper applications must be typed, printed, and signed.
- A checklist of the required application materials for a complete application is included.
- Applications may be emailed to ngfb@grange.org and must be received by March 1.
- Mailed applications must be received by March 1 and should be mailed to:
National Grange Foundation Board
Ernestine Keiser Memorial Scholarship Fund
c/o Joan Smith, Chair
39 Clubhouse Road
Rotonda West, FL 33947