National Rice Month Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by US Rice Federation

Every September, we commemorate National Rice Month, a period dedicated to appreciating the harvest of the small yet powerful grain that has been a staple in American diets for over three centuries. Interestingly, about 85% of the rice consumed in the U.S. is cultivated domestically on family farms in six states: Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas.

Many people are unaware of this fact, and that's where you come in! The National Rice Month Scholarship Video Contest is a platform for high school seniors residing in these six rice-producing states to share a narrative about U.S. rice.

We invite you to create a video or animation, no longer than three minutes, that highlights this versatile, delicious, and locally grown grain. Use your creativity to educate and entertain, and tell us why rice holds a special place in your heart, your state, or the world!

Entry Procedure

1. Produce an original, short video (maximum 3 minutes) focusing on U.S. rice, National Rice Month, and the significance of rice to you, your state, or the world.
2. Before uploading your video, confirm your identity by including an introduction that features you on camera, stating your name and your school's name (this footage will not be included in the 3-minute video duration).
3. Upload your video to YouTube or Vimeo. Please note that TikTok videos can only be uploaded via Vimeo.
4. Fill out the entry form and submit your video. All entries must be submitted by October 15, 2025.
5. After uploading your video, share it on your social media platforms. Encourage your friends, family, and teachers to watch and vote for your video. You can also view other entries.

Eligibility Criteria

High school seniors (2025-26 academic year) from the six main rice-producing states — Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas — who have not previously won a National Rice Month Scholarship are eligible to participate. However, children of board members of the USA Rice Federation, USA Rice Council, USA Rice Farmers, USA Rice Millers’ Association, and USA Rice Merchants’ Association, as well as children of USA Rice Federation committee members, USA Rice Federation employees, or American Commodity Company (ACC) employees, are excluded.

Scholarship Awards

The American Commodity Company (ACC) sponsors three scholarship prizes, totaling $10,000:

• The first-place winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship and an invitation (along with a chaperone) to the USA Rice Outlook Conference, which will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana this year.
• The runner-up will receive a $3,000 scholarship.
• The third-place winner will receive a $2,000 scholarship.

Video Guidelines & Key Dates

Create an original video about U.S.-grown rice that’s 3 minutes or less in length. Remember to include the video introduction where you introduce yourself and your school.

All entries must be submitted by October 15, 2025. Winners will be announced by November 7, 2025.

Evaluation Criteria

Entries will be evaluated based on creativity, quality, and effectiveness in narrating a story about U.S.-grown rice.

Terms & Conditions

Each entry must be accompanied by a completed and signed application form. Entries will not be returned.

1. The USA Rice Federation is not liable for lost, damaged, or misdirected entries.
2. All entries become the property of the USA Rice Federation, including all promotional and advertising rights; none will be returned.
3. The USA Rice Federation reserves the right to use all entries in any promotional activities it considers suitable.
4. The USA Rice Federation will judge entries, and its decisions are final.
5. Prizes cannot be substituted or transferred. The contest is void where prohibited by law or company policy. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply.
6. By participating, winners agree that the USA Rice Federation and its members are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damages of any kind caused by any prize or resulting from acceptance, possession, or use of any prize.
7. Proof of enrollment in an accredited college or university or qualifying trade school or program must be verified before funds will be disbursed directly to the winner’s school.