IL Corn Opens 2025 Scholarship Application Period

October 28, 2024

IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is excited to announce the 3rd annual scholarship program for students choosing to pursue a degree in the agriculture field. The submission period for the scholarship period is now open and the application deadline is January 31, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. CST.

 

"We're excited to deepen our commitment to supporting the next generation," said Dave Rylander, ICGA President and Victoria, Illinois farmer. "Our aim is to make sure that financial barriers don't stop anyone from following a career in agriculture. While this support may not cover all educational costs, we’re eager for the difference it can make."

 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • Applicant must be a high school senior or a post-secondary student.
  • Applicants must be pursuing a degree in an agriculture field in Illinois.
  • The application must be submitted by January 31, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. Central Time.
  • Scholarship winner must attend at least one IL Corn leadership meeting or event within a year of receiving scholarship.
  • Applicant must have an active ICGA membership*
  • Each applicant is eligible to receive the IL Corn scholarship only once; previous recipients are not eligible to apply again.

 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Below are the specific requirements for the IL Corn Growers Association Scholarship that are a part of the online application process by clicking the green button below:

  • A completed online application.
  • At least one letter of recommendation from non-family member(s).
  • Current resume.
  • Completed Essay Questions
  • What are the three most important issues facing agriculture today? How would you address them?
  • How do you plan to use this scholarship?
  • Why are you pursuing an ag-related career?

*Parent, sponsor or own membership. A sponsor can be a farmer or ag industry sponsor. Must provide their member number in application process. 

Sarah Hastings, Melinda Fourez, Sen. Chapin Rose, Mark Degler, Steve Fourez, and Dale Haudrich
By Lyndi Allen April 16, 2026
Illinois farmers came to the state capitol this week to draw attention to the poor farm economy as the planting season begins. Farmers met with their representatives and key legislators
thumbnail of  Phillips
By Tara Desmond April 16, 2026
Illinois Fair Queen Krista Phillips shares how her role goes beyond the crown connecting communities and advocating for agriculture statewide.
Ashley, Lindsay and Laura in DC
By Lindsay Croke April 16, 2026
Lindsay Croke is the IL Corn Director of Communications and Marketing today, but she’s served many roles over her 20+ years at IL Corn and brings a lot of historical perspective of IL Corn’s work and goals to IL Corn TV show as a host. We sat down with Lindsay to figure out how she landed at IL Corn, what the work here has meant to her and to our industry, and why she sticks around.
Steve Koeller, Justin Moore, Shane Gray, Rep. Katie Stuart, Chad Dillenberger, and Dale Haudrich
By Lyndi Allen April 8, 2026
Representative Katie Stuart and Illinois farmers visited NCERC for a tour, to learn about its expansion plans, and interview Illinois farmers
thumbnail from farmdoc webinar
By Tara Desmond April 8, 2026
Researchers reveal most farmers operate from a single, highly consistent production plan and change it far less often than conservation advisors typically assume.
thumbnail of different videos
By Tara Desmond April 8, 2026
Catch up on IL Corn’s top stories and videos from Q1 2026, featuring farmers, yields, policy updates, and must-see moments from the field.
Show More