IL Corn Growers Association Announces 2026 Scholarship Program

The IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is proud to announce the fourth annual ICGA Scholarship Program, supporting students pursuing degrees in agriculture. The submission period is now open, with applications due by January 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST.

“Investing in students who care about agriculture is investing in the future of our industry,” said Mark Bunselmeyer, ICGA Vice President and Decatur, Illinois farmer. “These young people will carry the torch for innovation, stewardship, and leadership in farming, and we’re proud to help them take that next step.”

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant must be a high school senior or post-secondary student.
• Applicant must be pursuing a degree in an agriculture-related field at an Illinois institution.
• Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST.
• Scholarship recipients must attend at least one IL Corn leadership meeting or event within a year of receiving the scholarship.
• Applicant must hold an active ICGA membership*.
• Each applicant is eligible to receive the IL Corn scholarship only once; previous recipients are not eligible to reapply.

Application Requirements

Applicants must complete the online application and include the following materials:

• At least one letter of recommendation from a non-family member.
• A current resume.
• Essay responses to the following questions:

1. What are the three most important issues facing agriculture today, and how would you address them?
2. How do you plan to use this scholarship?
3. Why are you pursuing an agriculture-related career?

Membership may belong to the applicant, a parent, or a sponsor (such as a farmer or ag industry representative). Please include the member number within the application.