Farm Credit Illinois Agriculture Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Farm Credit Illinois
Overview
Farm Credit Illinois (FCI) is awarding thirty scholarships of $2,500 each to high school seniors who plan to begin an agriculture-related program or trade at a college or vocational school in Fall 2026 and intend to pursue a career on the farm or in the broader agricultural industry. Two of the awards will be designated as Diversity in Agriculture Scholars and reserved for applicants of color.
Award distribution
Each scholarship is $2,500, paid in two installments: $1,250 for the Fall 2026 semester and the remaining $1,250 available for disbursement in Fall 2028 to students who are still pursuing an agricultural degree.
Who may apply
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a high school senior planning to enroll in college or a trade school in Fall 2026.
- Intend to major in and pursue a career in agriculture, food systems, or natural resources.
- Live in — or have a family that actively farms in — one of the 60 central and southern Illinois counties served by Farm Credit Illinois (see FCI Service Area for a map).
- NOT have a parent or grandparent who is a current FCI Board member or an FCI employee who works consistently 20 hours or more per week.
Selection criteria
Candidates will be evaluated on:
- Involvement and leadership in school and community organizations
- Demonstrated passion for farming and/or agriculture
- A clear commitment to pursuing an agriculture-related career
Passion for Agriculture video (required)
Each applicant must upload a short video that captures their connection to agriculture:
- Length: 30–45 seconds (videos longer than 45 seconds will have points deducted).
- Content: Start with your name, high school, and the school you plan to attend. Briefly introduce yourself, then present one meaningful item, place, project, person, plant, or animal that shaped your commitment to agriculture and explain its significance.
- Recording tips: Hold the phone horizontally, have a friend or family member record so we can see your face and hear your voice, and keep the presentation sincere — no advanced editing necessary.
- Upload: Use the Brandfolder link included in the application. Sample videos are available online for reference.
Application process & deadline
- Complete the online application and upload your Passion for Agriculture video by Friday, February 27, 2026.
- Recipients will be notified before the end of March 2026.
Saving progress & submission confirmation
- To pause and return later, click Save at the bottom of the form and follow the prompts. We recommend choosing “Save Draft Link” and using the link copied to your clipboard to resume.
- After submitting your application you will receive a confirmation email at the address you provided. Check your junk or spam folder. If you do not receive confirmation, contact [email protected].
Questions / Contact
Email [email protected] or call 217-590-2200 with any questions.