The IAA Foundation, an organization that supports Illinois farm families and the future of agriculture through education, is offering more than $192,000 in scholarships for the state’s agriculture students for the upcoming 2024-25 school year.
Agriculture students and Illinois Farm Bureau members, spouses, and children can apply for 110 college scholarships offered by the IAA Foundation, IFB’s charitable arm. The scholarships range from $1,000 to $7,500.
Applications are open for various financial awards, including the newly created Promoting Careers in Agriculture Scholarship, the Robert E. Koeller Scholarship, and the Allen and Ellen M. Blessman Scholarship.
Additionally, the IAA Foundation offers scholarships for Prairie Farms Dairy and several family scholarships established to honor loved ones. Fellowships are also available to support students pursuing advanced degrees in fields that directly relate to agriculture.
“It is imperative that the next generation of agriculture leaders receives the financial support they need to stay immersed in their education and build their career in agriculture,” said Jennifer Smith, IAA Foundation development manager.
Scholarships are awarded based on involvement in extra-curricular activities, community service, academic performance, leadership experiences, and an essay. Previous winners of an IAA Foundation scholarship are eligible to apply again if the individual scholarship allows.
A full listing of available scholarships and eligibility guidelines is available here. Applications must be completed online by Feb. 15.
Announcement of recipients will be made on May 1, 2024.
