Future of Agriculture Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Iowa Corn
Scholarship Overview
Iowa Corn offers scholarships to high school seniors and current college students pursuing agriculture-related degrees. For the first time, the Iowa Corn and National Corn Growers Association scholarship applications are combined, so students can use one application to be considered for both programs. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university program that can prepare them to contribute to Iowa’s agriculture industry.
- One application covers both scholarship programs.
- Eligible students may be pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies.
Scholarship Details
Eighteen scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded for the 2027–2028 school year. Nine first-year scholarships are for high school seniors entering their first year of college, and nine upperclassmen scholarships are for students entering their second, third, or fourth year, or enrolled in graduate school. One scholarship in each category will be awarded in each Iowa Corn District Field Manager territory. Scholarships are for one year, and previous recipients may reapply.
Eligibility: Applicants must be Iowa Corn Growers Association members or the son or daughter of an ICGA member.
Award Use: Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, school supplies, or student housing.
- Each scholarship is worth $1,000.
- A total of 18 scholarships will be awarded across the two student categories.
- Recipients may use the funds for eligible education expenses.
Selection and Application Timeline
A selection committee that includes representatives from Iowa Corn District Committees will evaluate and score essays using a standardized process. The committee will also review and rate applications and letters of recommendation to determine the final candidate rankings. Online applications are due in January 2027, and recipients will be notified by March 19, 2027. Scholarship funds will be issued to recipients’ college financial aid offices in August 2027, with checks mailed to those offices by September 2027.
First-Year Scholarship Disbursement: Recipients must successfully complete their first college term. Their schools will retain the funds and make them available for second-term expenses after the students enroll in the second semester.
- Only online applications will be accepted.
- Applications are due in January 2027.
- Recipients will be notified by March 19, 2027.