Submitted Photo From left, Jason Zimmerman with Minot Area Community Foundation, Craig Rudland with the North Dakota State Fair and Brent Lohnes with Hess Corp. hold a symbolic check for $50,000 for student scholarships and 4-H club and FFA chapter grants.

Hess Corp. donated $50,000 Wednesday for 4-H and FFA scholarships through the North Dakota State Fair in conjunction with Minot Area Community Foundation for graduating seniors in 2025.

As in the past, Hess will again offer eight scholarships designated for students pursuing careers related to the oil and gas industry or community support roles.This year, three scholarships of $10,000 each and five scholarships of $2,000 each will be awarded to support students pursuing higher education or vocational training. This includes, but is not limited to, fields such as agriculture sciences, engineering, accounting, healthcare and education.

The goal is to empower students whose studies and career ambitions aim to enhance the quality of life in their communities, whether through direct industry involvement or by enriching the social, educational, and environmental fabric of North Dakota, according to a news release from Hess.

Hess also provides $10,000 annually in grants for 4-H and FFA clubs, supporting leadership and

community engagement at the local level. Each year, twenty $500 grants are awarded to empower clubs and chapters to pursue impactful community service projects or participate in the North Dakota State Fair.

The State Fair and the Minot Area Community Foundation have resumed their previous agreement for the foundation to serve as a fiscal pass-through for these scholarships.

Applications for the Hess Corporation Scholarship and 4-H and FFA club grants must be submitted by Feb. 1. More information and applications can be found on the State Fair website.