NYSAAF and NYSSA offer an annual scholarship program that is available to students who are New York State residents, who currently are (or have previously been) active in a fair that is a member of the NYSAAF or the NYSSA and who plan to attend (or already attend) college in pursuit of a degree.
Scholarship Details
- DCAS Scholarship supports full-time undergraduate study beginning no later than this coming Fall
- NYSAAF & NYSSA Scholarships are available to students involved in member fairs across New York State
- Applicants may only submit one application per program
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a New York State resident
- Must be a high school senior or a current college student pursuing a degree
- Must enroll full-time in an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or technical school
- For NYSAAF & NYSSA: must be currently or previously active in a member fair
- Application must be endorsed and submitted by a local fair or the NYSSA (for NYSAAF & NYSSA applicants)
Application Process
- Complete the appropriate scholarship application.
- Submit the DCAS application to the Fair by 3:00 PM on May 8, 2026.
- For NYSAAF applicants, submit the application through your local fair.
- For NYSSA applicants, submit the application to the NYSSA contact provided.
- Ensure endorsement by the appropriate fair or organization.
- Submit all materials by the second Friday in April for NYSAAF & NYSSA scholarships.
The Dutchess County Agricultural Society, Inc. is a non-profit 501c3 corporation. The 80-member society is made up of interested men and women who elect the 16-member Board of Directors. This group oversees all aspects of the operation of the fair and all off-season events. The President/CEO works with and communicates directly with the Board. A permanent staff of ten produces various events and maintains the 147-acre facility throughout the year. The number of paid staff and volunteers during the fair grows to several hundred.
