CCI Innovation in Agriculture Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Minnesota 4-H Foundation

Description Purpose:

The CCI Innovation in Agriculture Scholarship is a one-time award that helps cover education expenses at a U.S. post-secondary institution. It is targeted to students entering college as freshmen and supports study in agricultural fields. The scholarship prioritizes applicants who plan to pursue degrees closely related to agriculture—especially agronomy, soil science, horticulture, plant science, agricultural economics, and agribusiness. The award is administered with the aim of encouraging new generations of agricultural professionals and 4-H alumni to continue their education.

Key takeaways:

• One-time scholarship for education expenses at U.S. post-secondary institutions - Targeted to incoming college freshmen - Focus on agricultural degree programs and closely related fields -

Intended to support agricultural career development

Eligibility Who qualifies:

Applicants must be current 4-H members or 4-H alumni and must be entering college as freshmen. Candidates must intend to pursue an agricultural degree, with preference for majors such as agronomy, soil science, horticulture, plant science, ag economics, and agribusiness. The scholarship is limited to study at accredited post-secondary institutions in the United States. No other eligibility details (such as GPA minimums or geographic restrictions) are specified here.

Key takeaways:

• Open to 4-H members and 4-H alumni only - Applicants must be incoming college freshmen - Degree intent must be in agriculture or a closely related field - Study must occur at a U.S. post-secondary institution

Application

Process Required materials:

Applicants must complete the CCI Scholarship online application and upload an official high school transcript. Two letters of recommendation are required: one from a teacher or academic advisor and one from an Extension educator or volunteer leader; both recommender letters must come from non-relatives. Follow the online application instructions carefully to ensure all documents are submitted before the deadline established on the scholarship application page.

Key takeaways:

• Complete the CCI Scholarship online application - Upload an official high school transcript - Provide two letters of recommendation from non-relatives:
• one teacher or academic advisor - one

Extension educator or volunteer leader

Selection

Criteria Evaluation factors:

A review committee assesses applications based on scholastic achievement, demonstrated career interest in agriculture, community and 4-H involvement, and leadership roles or positions held. The committee uses these factors to identify applicants who show academic promise, a clear commitment to agricultural careers, and meaningful engagement in leadership and service. Applicants should emphasize these areas in their materials to strengthen their candidacy.

Key takeaways:

• Evaluated by a review committee - Primary factors: scholastic achievement and career interest in agriculture - Additional factors: community/4-H involvement and leadership experience - Applicants should highlight achievements across all evaluation areas

Award

Value and

Disbursement Payment structure:

The scholarship is awarded as a one-time payment to assist with education expenses; a specific dollar amount is not stated here. When awarded, the scholarship check is issued directly to the educational institution the recipient will attend (the payment is not made payable to the individual recipient). Recipients should coordinate with their institution’s financial aid or bursar’s office regarding how the funds will be applied to tuition and fees.

Key takeaways:

• One-time scholarship for education costs (amount unspecified) - Payment is made directly to the recipient’s institution, not to the student - Recipients should work with their school’s financial office on application of funds

Application

Timeline Notification and disbursement timing:

Scholarship recipients are notified in June following the selection process. The scholarship funds are disbursed to the recipient’s institution in January of the following year. Applicants should check the CCI scholarship application page for the current year’s application opening and closing dates, as those specific deadlines are posted with each award cycle.

Key takeaways:

• Recipients notified in June - Funds disbursed to the institution in January of the following year - Check the scholarship application page for current application deadlines

History of the

Award Founding and sponsor background:

Corn Capital Innovations (CCI) established this scholarship to support agricultural education and to give back to the 4-H community. CCI was founded in Olivia, Minnesota, in 2008 by Steve and Summer O’Neill. The family-owned company helps crop producers integrate crop insurance, grain marketing, financial analysis, and yield-building strategies; many of the O’Neills and CCI employees are proud 4-H alumni.

Key takeaways:

• Scholarship is funded by Corn Capital Innovations (CCI) - CCI founded in Olivia, MN, in 2008 by Steve and Summer O’Neill - Company mission ties to agricultural innovation and 4-H heritage How to Support (Donations) Make a gift:

Individuals who wish to support the CCI Innovation in Agriculture Scholarship can contribute via the scholarship’s giving page. Donations help maintain and grow the fund so more 4-H students can pursue agricultural degrees. Visit the organization’s giving page for instructions on making a gift and for information about tax receipts or donor recognition.

Key takeaways:

• Donations accepted through the scholarship’s giving page - Contributions support future scholarship recipients - Visit the giving page for donation steps and donor information