The Beachburg Agricultural Society (BAS) offers two youth bursaries to encourage high school students to engage with their community while also supporting young adults in maintaining their involvement beyond their high school years. Our goal is to strengthen their connection to the community and, in turn, build a stronger BAS volunteer base. The bursary amounts are subject to change and will be determined with the BAS annual budget.
Bursaries
1) Agri-Focused Future Student Bursary – $450
A student (17-23), who has shown a strong commitment to agriculture and rural life throughout their high school years and who is enrolled in a post-secondary program. This includes actively supporting community involvement in agricultural activities, 4-H, agricultural fairs, junior fair programs, and/or other rural initiatives. Looking ahead, the individual envisions a future in agriculture or a rural-related field and plans to pursue post-secondary education to achieve their goals. Preference may be given to those who have demonstrated a connection to rural life through volunteer service with the Beachburg Agricultural Society or similar organization. Their contributions and leadership must be well-documented, showcasing their dedication to advancing agriculture and supporting rural communities.
2) The Brenda Byce Memorial Volunteer Bursary – $400
In honour of Brenda Byce — a dedicated volunteer, community leader, and past President of the Beachburg Agricultural Society — this annual bursary celebrates her enduring legacy of service and commitment to youth.
The bursary is awarded to young adults (17-23) who demonstrate outstanding volunteerism, leadership, and involvement in the Beachburg Fair or the broader agricultural community. This applicant has exemplified the core values of the BAS, including a commitment to agriculture, community involvement, and the sustainability of rural communities and events. Applicants recently graduated or currently enrolled in post-secondary may be given priority. This individual has also contributed an exemplary number of volunteer hours to the BAS in the past year.
Through this bursary, we continue Brenda’s mission of encouraging youth to give back, lead with heart, and stay connected to our rural traditions.
To Apply
Applicants must submit a completed bursary application form along with a letter and/or log of their volunteer hours. The log must be submitted to the Society’s Secretary, and recipients are encouraged to keep a copy for their records. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2025.
Only applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and are selected by the board will receive a bursary. Each recipient may only accept a specific award once and can receive only one award per year.
If two or more applicants are equally qualified, the BAS board will vote on whether to split the bursary or award both candidates the full amount after careful evaluation. If the board remains undecided, they may conduct interviews or request written essays from the candidates.