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. 

Illinois officials at NCERC news conference
By Lindsay Croke • October 9, 2026
A $15 million investment in NCERC at SIUE will expand the facility and provide opportunities for new bioproducts using corn to scale to commercialization.
National Corn to Ethanol Research Center proposed expansion
By Lindsay Croke • October 9, 2026
Fully funding an expansion of NCERC at SIUE will allow the testing and trials required for new corn products to scale in Illinois.
U.S. Meat being showcased in Tokyo
By John Klemm & Tara Desmond • October 8, 2026
DeWitt County farmer John Klemm shares how exporting beef helps corn and an early look at a slow, wet start to his 2026 harvest.
Corn kernels
By Lindsay Croke • October 8, 2026
Illinois corn farmers are grateful for Governor Pritzker’s effort to lower diesel prices for farmers this fall.
cover crops in the field
By Summary from PCM / Farmdoc Webinar • October 8, 2026
Precision Conservation data shows growing cover crops costs Illinois corn farmers $27.30 an acre to deliver carbon benefits. See how conservation payments compare.
Green combine harvester in a field at sunset, with the sun low on the horizon.
By Lyndi Allen • October 8, 2026
Recent federal and state actions provide potential relief for Illinois farmers facing high costs during harvest, including diesel fuel and grain storage.
Show More