Recipients are selected based on a combination of academic achievement, participation and leadership in school and community organizations, and the applicant’s commitment to an agricultural career. Applicants must be high school seniors enrolling in a college or university during the 2019 fall semester to pursue an agriculture-related academic major and career. Applicants must reside in – or immediate family must farm in – one of 60 central and southern counties in Illinois served by FCI. Recipients will receive $1,000 for the fall 2019 semester and $1,000 for fall 2021. 

Farm Credit Illinois also invites 4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters organizing projects to apply for a $500 Community Improvement Grant.

Fifty $500 grants will be awarded to assist youth members in bringing positive change to their local community. Clubs should choose a project that delivers tangible value where the outcome is visible. Farm Credit encourages collaboration with other local organizations to develop and complete the improvement project.

Online applications for the scholarship and grant programs are available at www.farmcreditIL.com and must be submitted by March 1. In lieu of an essay, students will create a 30-45 second video capturing their passion for agriculture. Questions or requests for additional information may be sent to ask@farmcreditIL.com.

“When today’s youth give back and have a vision for prosperity, the future of Rural America is bright,” says Tom Tracy, FCI President & CEO. “Farm Credit is proud to offer the Agriculture Scholarship and Community Improvement Grant programs, which promote positive opportunities for tomorrow’s agricultural leaders and contribute to the health of rural communities.”

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Farm Credit Illinois is a farmer owned and directed agricultural lending cooperative serving 11,000 farm families, agribusinesses, and rural landowners in the southern 60 counties of Illinois with competitive and flexible financing and crop insurance expertise. The Association manages a $4.34 billion loan portfolio, sells 1.2 million acres of crop insurance coverage, and employs 220 staff based in the Mahomet central office and 14 regional office locations. The U.S. Farm Credit System supports rural communities, farm families, and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services today and tomorrow.