IL Corn Growers Association Scholarship
Offered by Illinois Corn Growers Association (IL Corn)
About This Scholarship
The Illinois Corn Growers Association awards five $2,000 scholarships each year to students headed into agriculture. ICGA is the membership and advocacy group for Illinois corn farmers, and the scholarship is one of its main investments in the next generation of farmers, agronomists, and ag professionals in the state.
Both high school seniors and students already in college can apply, as long as they are pursuing a degree in an agriculture field. The membership rule is flexible: the active ICGA membership can belong to the applicant, a parent, or a sponsor, and a sponsor can be any farmer or ag industry member willing to share their member number. That opens the door to students without a farm family. Winners must attend at least one IL Corn leadership meeting or event within a year of receiving the award.
IL Corn uses the National Corn Growers Association's consolidated online application, so applicants check the IL Corn box on the NCGA form and can apply for one national NCGA award at the same time. The application asks for a resume, a non-family recommendation letter, and three short essays, and it must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central on January 31, 2027.
Eligibility
- High school senior or post-secondary student pursuing a degree in an agriculture field
- Active Illinois Corn Growers Association membership held by the applicant, a parent, or a sponsor (a farmer or ag industry member); the member number is required (dues are not listed on the scholarship page)
- Must attend at least one IL Corn leadership meeting or event within a year of receiving the scholarship
- Past recipients cannot reapply; only one IL Corn scholarship per college career
How To Apply
- Secure an ICGA member number from your own membership, a parent's, or a farmer or ag industry sponsor's
- Open the NCGA Consolidated Scholarship Application linked from the IL Corn scholarship page and select the IL Corn Growers Association Scholarship
- Upload a current resume and at least one recommendation letter from a non-family member
- Answer the three essay questions on the top issues in agriculture, how you will advocate for corn farmers, and why you are pursuing an ag career
- Submit by 11:59 p.m. Central on January 31, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
My family doesn't farm. Can I still apply?
Yes. The ICGA membership can be held by a sponsor, such as a farmer or ag industry member, instead of a parent. You will need that sponsor's member number for the application.
Can I also apply for national NCGA scholarships?
Yes. IL Corn uses the NCGA consolidated form, which lets you select one state scholarship and one national NCGA scholarship. The national awards have a later February 2, 2027 deadline but require NCGA membership.
Is there an obligation after winning?
Recipients must attend at least one IL Corn leadership meeting or event within a year of receiving the scholarship.