National Flea Market Association
​NFMA Mission Statement
The National Flea Market Association exists to serve the public interest and to benefit the flea market industry by fostering high standards of business conduct which merits public trust.​​
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, 2024. It is strongly recommended to send your application and essay via certified mail.
Barb Nelson Scholarship Program Requirements for the 2025-2026 Academic year
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To apply for the scholarship, the applicant must be a graduating senior, or currently enrolled in college or an institution for higher learning.
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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)
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The Scholarship amount is $1200.00
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The minimum GPA to be eligible is 3.00 (or equivalent in new GPA scales)
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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.
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All applications must be received or postmarked to the scholarship chairman no later than the deadline.
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A recommendation/acknowledgment form shall be included with the application from the market (if the applicant is working).
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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
The NFMA proudly recognizes outstanding young men and women who are the recipients of the coveted Barb Nelson Scholarship Award. A college scholarship has been awarded to each of these exemplary high school graduates.
The Barb Nelson Scholarship is made available annually to graduating high school seniors who are employees or children of employees of NFMA member markets for a minimum of one year. To be eligible, candidates must also maintain a cumulative average of "B" or higher throughout high school and submit a 250-500 word essay detailing how the flea market has positively impacted the student's life, along with a summary of their extra-curricular, community service and/or charitable activities. Here are the winners from 2011-2024.