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The Barb Nelson Scholarship Program rewards college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, academic strength, integrity, morality, and drive, with financial assistance to pursue higher education.  The scholarship is available to NFMA Members markets employees or family members that meet the requirements for application as listed below.  The bullet points below give the detailed requirements for application.  Please see the NFMA website for the application itself and encourage anyone interested in applying to apply early, as the application deadline is December 31, 2026.  It is strongly recommended to send your application and essay via certified mail.

 

Barb Nelson Scholarship Program Requirements for the 2027-2028 Academic year

  • To apply for the scholarship, the applicant must be a graduating senior, or currently enrolled in college or an institution for higher learning.

  • Scholarship applicants must be currently employed or on a rehire status with a market. Scholarship applicants can be an immediate family member of the employee. (i.e. Mother, Father, Brother, Sister or Grandparent)

  • The Scholarship amount is $1200.00

  • The minimum GPA to be eligible is 3.00 (or equivalent in new GPA scales)

  • A 250-word typed essay describing the positive influence the flea market/swap meet has had on the applicant shall be included with the application.

  • All applications must be received or postmarked to the scholarship chairman no later than the deadline.

  • A recommendation/acknowledgment form shall be included with the application from the market (if the applicant is working).     

  • Winners release their likeness and images to be used by the NFMA, prior to the release of scholarship funds.

Congratulations to the

Barb Nelson Scholarship Winners

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The NFMA proudly recognizes the outstanding young men and women who have been selected as recipients of the prestigious Barb Nelson Scholarship Award. Each of these exemplary students has been awarded a college scholarship in recognition of their academic achievement, community involvement, and connection to the flea market industry.

The Barb Nelson Scholarship is awarded annually to graduating high school seniors or students currently enrolled in a college, university, or other institution of higher learning. Applicants must be employees, or children of employees, of an NFMA member market, with the employee having worked at the member market for a minimum of one year.

To be eligible, applicants must maintain a cumulative “B” average or higher throughout high school or at their current institution of higher learning. Candidates must also submit a 250–500-word essay describing how the flea market has positively impacted their lives, along with a summary of their extracurricular activities, community service, and/or charitable involvement.

Here are the scholarship winners from 2011–2026.

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