Commencing from 1989 with the support of its members, OPEDA has acclaimed academic achievement through granting scholarships to USDA employees and their family members. The John W. Peterson Scholarship is offered in recognition of the dedicated service of Mr. Peterson as the 24th President of OPEDA. The Steven "Tom" Stefani Scholarship honors the heroic service and ultimate of the sacrifice of this young U. S. Forest Service Range Conservationist, while he was on a voluntary assignment with the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service in Afghanistan.
Eligibility Criteria/ Scholarship Guidelines
A completed OPEDA Scholarship Application Form for the 2017-2018 School Year.
A typed, double spaced essay, not to exceed two pages, on the topic: “Public Service is a Unique Challenge with Many Rewards.”
One character reference. This should be a letter (no more than 2 paragraphs contained on one page) from a non-related adult e.g., teacher, coach…etc., describing how the writer has come to know the candidate and what the strengths of the candidate are.
A sealed original of most recent high school or college transcript demonstrating a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher.
A list and brief description on a separate page of awards and extracurricular and community service accomplishments.
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