Clarification on CDE/LDE High Individual Scholarships

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Abbey Wolenetz

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Jun 8, 2026, 4:51:27 PM (2 days ago) Jun 8

to 'Dale Welliever' via AG ED General Group

Good afternoon, everyone,

As I transition into this role, I've received several questions from advisors, students and parents regarding scholarships for individuals who placed first in a CDE or LDE at State FFA Convention this past year.

Thank you for your patience as I worked to ensure I could provide you with accurate and consistent information. I appreciate your understanding!

Moving forward, I'd like to clarify how CDE/LDE High Individual Scholarships have been handled in the past and how we will continue to handle them moving forward. These are scholarships, rather than immediate awards. Because of this, funds are not distributed at the time of recognition. Instead, students become eligible to receive these moneys once they can provide proof of enrollment in a post-secondary institution.

This being said, we recognize that many CDE/LDE winners are not seniors at the time that they win. We will continue to do our best to track recipients and their eligibility over time; however, we also ask that students and their families take an active role in this process. When a student is ready to access their scholarship (typically upon graduating high school and enrolling in college), they should contact the Foundation and provide documentation. At that point, we will send the scholarship funds directly to their school.

For example, if a student wins a state contest multiple years, they may submit documentation at the end of their senior year and access the combined scholarship funds at that time.

I hope this helps clarify any past confusion. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, and I would greatly appreciate you sharing this information with your state-winning students and their families.

Thank you and I am looking forward to seeing everyone next week in Glendive!

The Montana FFA Foundation’s mission is to cultivate partnerships, promote awareness and secure resources to enhance Agricultural Education and the Montana FFA Association.