Agriculture Scholarships

Agriculture Scholarship Program  

The 2023 program has now ended.  The 2024 program will be available on this page in November 2024.

SCHOLARSHIP RENEWAL FORM

Program Details 

Thirty $2,500 scholarships are available to high school seniors with agricultural career aspirations planning to enroll in an agriculture-based college curriculum next fall. Two student applicants of color will be recognized as Diversity in Agriculture Scholars.

Selection criteria includes academic achievement, participation and leadership within school and community organizations, and a commitment to pursuing an agriculture-related career. Recipients must reside – or their family must farm – in one of the 60 central and southern Illinois counties served by Farm Credit Illinois.

Recipients receive $1,250 of the scholarship for the Fall 2023 semester and the remaining $1,250 will be available to students who continue pursuing an agricultural degree during the Fall 2025 semester.

Lincoln Land Community College Scholarship Match

Lincoln Land Community College’s agriculture program provides a $1,250 scholarship match to Farm Credit Illinois Agriculture Scholars enrolling fulltime in agriculture in the Fall 2023 semester. More information is available from Lincoln Land agriculture staff.

Contact FCI with scholarship questions at ask@farmcredititIL.com or 217-590-2200.

 

How to Apply

All applicants should complete the Application and share the Academic Verification Form link with a school official to submit. The application deadline is February 28, 2023. Contact FCI with scholarship questions at ask@farmcreditIL.com or 217-590-2200.

 

 

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    Passion For Agriculture Video

    Create a 30-45 second video on your phone capturing your passion for agriculture. After a quick personal introduction, showcase one specific object (i.e., memento, place, project, person, plant, animal) you treasure and describe its significance and how it helped shape your commitment to agriculture, food systems, or natural resources. Videos should be uploaded to the Dropbox link provided in the application.

    Video guidelines:
    Begin the video by sharing your name, high school, and anticipated college or university.
    Ask a friend or family member to record you holding the phone horizontally. We want to hear your voice, see your face, and view the showcased object.
    Video length should be no longer than 45 seconds. Points will be deducted for videos exceeding this length.
    Keep it simple and speak from your heart. No fancy editing required (see sample video below).

     

    Tips for uploading video to DropBox:
    Click this Dropbox link from the mobile device or computer where the video is saved. Upload the file directly by clicking "Add Files," then enter your name and email address before selecting "Upload." It may take a few minutes for the file to upload. Wait until you see the "Finished uploading" screen before closing the browser or navigating to another app.

    What to do if you encounter errors uploading the video and/or photo attachments:
    • Try an alternative browser - Google Chrome is preferable.
    • Transfer your video from your phone to the computer or tablet you're using to complete your application. Use your phone’s charging cord to transfer if the computer or tablet has a usb port.

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