NCGA Graduate Student Scholarship

About This Scholarship

The National Corn Growers Association awards two $2,500 scholarships each year to graduate students in agricultural fields. It is the smallest and most competitive of NCGA's three national scholarships, aimed at master's and doctoral students whose work could advance the corn sector, from agronomy and plant breeding to ag economics.

Applicants must be pursuing a graduate degree in an agricultural field and must be an NCGA member or the child of one. Graduate students can join NCGA themselves, which matters for students who no longer live at home or who come from non-farm backgrounds. Previous recipients cannot reapply.

The written portion is heavier than NCGA's undergraduate awards: three essays of about 500 words each on challenges facing agriculture, why you chose an ag career, and how your graduate degree will advance the corn sector. Applicants also submit a resume or CV, a transcript showing a completed bachelor's degree or graduate enrollment, and one non-family recommendation. The fall 2027 awards are due by 11:59 p.m. Central on February 2, 2027.

Eligibility

• Pursuing a graduate degree in an agricultural field
• NCGA member or child of an NCGA member (dues are not listed on the scholarship page)
• Previous recipients may not apply; the award covers one year

How To Apply

• Confirm or obtain NCGA membership
• Prepare a resume or CV, a transcript showing a completed undergraduate degree or graduate enrollment, and one recommendation letter from a non-family member
• Write three essays of about 500 words each, including how you will use your graduate degree to advance the corn sector
• Submit through the NCGA Consolidated Scholarship Application by 11:59 p.m. Central on February 2, 2027

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