Iowa Corn Future of Agriculture Scholarships
Offered by Iowa Corn Growers Association
About This Scholarship
Iowa Corn's Future of Agriculture Scholarships put 18 awards of $1,000 each in front of students who plan to build careers in Iowa agriculture. The program is run by the Iowa Corn Growers Association, the membership group for the state's corn farmers, and it is structured to spread the money across the whole state.
There are two tracks. Nine First-year Scholarships go to graduating high school seniors heading into college, and nine Upperclassmen Scholarships go to students entering their second year or later, including graduate students. In each track, one award goes to a student from each Iowa Corn District Field Manager territory, so applicants compete mainly with students from their own part of Iowa rather than the entire state.
Applicants must be an ICGA member or the son or daughter of one, and they can attend any accredited two-year college, four-year university, or graduate school in the U.S. as long as the program prepares them to contribute to Iowa's ag industry. Essays are scored by Iowa Corn district committee representatives, and all applications are due January 29, 2027 through the national corn growers' online form.
Eligibility
- Graduating high school senior, or current college or graduate student, pursuing a degree in agriculture
- Iowa Corn Growers Association member, or son or daughter of an ICGA member (dues are not listed on the scholarship page)
- Attending an accredited U.S. two-year college, four-year college or university, or graduate school in a program that prepares you to contribute to Iowa agriculture
- Awards are distributed one per Iowa Corn District Field Manager territory in each of the two categories
How To Apply
- Confirm your own or a parent's ICGA membership, or sign up through Iowa Corn's membership form
- Open the 2027 application linked from the Future of Agriculture Scholarships page (the NCGA consolidated online form) and select the Iowa scholarship
- Upload your resume and letter of recommendation and complete the essay questions
- Submit online by January 29, 2027 (paper applications are not accepted)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can graduate students apply?
Yes. The nine Upperclassmen Scholarships are open to students entering their second year of college or later, including graduate students.
Do I have to attend college in Iowa?
No. Any accredited U.S. two-year, four-year, or graduate program qualifies, as long as it can prepare you to contribute to Iowa's agriculture industry.