MAHOMET, Ill. — Applications for Farm Credit Illinois’ annual agriculture scholarship and community improvement grant programs are open until Feb. 29, 2024.
Agriculture Scholarships
High school seniors pursuing an ag-related curriculum or trade in a college or vocational school next fall in pursuit of a career on the farm or in the industry are invited to apply for a $2,500 Farm Credit Illinois Agriculture Scholarship. Thirty scholarships will be awarded in 2024 with two applicants of color to be designated “Diversity in Agriculture Scholars.”
Recipients are selected based on a combination of participation and leadership in school and community organizations, a genuine passion for farming and/or agriculture, and the applicant’s commitment to an agriculture-related career. Applicants must be high school seniors enrolling in a college, university, or vocational school during the 2024 fall semester to pursue an agriculture-related academic major and career. Applicants must reside in – or immediate family must farm in – one of 60 central and southern counties in Illinois served by FCI. Recipients will receive $1,250 for the fall 2024 semester and $1,250 for the fall 2026 semester.
Community Improvement Grants
Farm Credit Illinois also invites 4-H clubs and FFA chapters organizing projects to apply for a $500 Community Improvement Grant.
Fifty $500 grants will be awarded to assist youth members in bringing positive change to their local community. Clubs should choose a project that delivers tangible value where the outcome is visible. Farm Credit encourages collaboration with other local organizations to develop and complete the improvement project.
Online applications for the scholarship and grant programs are available at www.farmcreditIL.com and must be submitted by February 29. Questions or requests for additional information may be sent to ask@farmcreditIL.com.
“Investing in the youth of today is a great way to secure success for agriculture tomorrow,” says Aaron Johnson, FCI president and CEO. “Farm Credit Illinois’ Agriculture Scholarship and Community Improvement Grant programs help these young leaders develop skills and knowledge to grow and strengthen their rural communities.”
— Farm Credit Illinois