Ort Family Scholarship

Outstanding Cooperative Extension Personnel – The award value is a framed certificate.

Eligible for Nomination of Award: 4-H, FCS, ANR/CRD Agents, Program Assistants, Associates, Specialists and Administrative Assistants.

Click here for Application

Criteria: Any member of the Cooperative Extension Professional Development Associations with a minimum of five (5) years of service with North Carolina Cooperative Extension may apply for the Ort Family Scholarship Award. The application should designate the association(s) where he/she holds membership. Equal scholarships for the following Extension Professional Association members: NCACAA, NCEAFCS, NCAE4-HYDP, NCAEPAAT, NCCEAPA.

How to Apply:

1. Outline your Extension employment history and Extension accomplishments (within the past five years, including impacts).
2. Outline your higher education history.
3. Describe:

• Professional development activities you have undertaken in the past five years.
• Future plans for professional development.
• Professional accomplishments or awards as evidence of professional commitment within the past five years.
• The professional development experience you plan to participate in, if you receive this award.

4. List the name and address of your local newspaper for press release notification.
5. Reference LettersApplicants will also be required to submit 2 letters of recommendation.One of the reference letters must be from the applicant's immediate supervisor.

The Ort Family Scholarship Award for Outstanding Cooperative Extension Personnel was established by Dr. Jon Ort and his family, through gifts from the Ort family as they build an endowment fund that will provide funding for the award in perpetuity. This scholarship award recognizes members of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Faculty and Staff who have demonstrated exceptional capacities to empower people and provide solutions through their professional leadership and vision.

Dr. Jon Ort has provided visionary leadership for North Carolina Cooperative Extension as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Extension, Engagement, and Economic Development and as Associate Dean and Director. Among the programs he led were Agricultural and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, and 4-H Youth Development. He was a tremendous supporter of the “Campaign for Counties,” as he knew the power of private resources in strengthening county Cooperative Extension Programs.