Ohio Corn & Wheat Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Ohio Corn & Wheat
Ohio Corn & Wheat Programs — Overview
Description: Ohio Corn & Wheat offers programs that support education, leadership development, and agricultural advocacy for farmers, students, and future industry leaders. Programs include the Collegiate Policy Academy, scholarship funding, and the Emerging Leaders Program, each designed to build practical skills and connections. Participants gain exposure to policy, market issues, and industry networks that shape corn and small grains in Ohio.
- Programs target education, leadership, and advocacy in corn and small grains.
- Opportunities are available for both students and farmers at different career stages.
- Focus on practical knowledge, networking, and public policy engagement.
Collegiate Policy Academy for Advocacy and Professional Development
Description: The Collegiate Policy Academy (CPA) connects college students with public policy leaders in Columbus and Washington, D.C., and provides regular panels, a retreat, and a mission to Washington, D.C. Students complete bi-weekly panels with industry professionals, attend a CPA retreat, and participate in policy-focused travel and networking. Graduates of the program gain the knowledge, confidence, and networks to pursue careers advocating for agriculture.
Obligations: Selected collegiate leaders must commit to participation in program events, including the Washington, D.C. mission, professional development sessions, and a two-day orientation prior to the program.
Eligibility: Applicants must be undergraduate students currently enrolled at a college or university, with preference for agriculture, public policy, or related fields; student membership in Ohio Corn & Wheat is encouraged and available at a discounted rate.
- Structured curriculum with panels, retreat, and a Washington, D.C. mission.
- Requires a prior commitment to orientation and program events.
- Targeted to undergraduates pursuing agriculture-related studies or policy.
Scholarships for Agricultural Students
Description: Ohio Corn & Wheat invests in the next generation by offering scholarship support to students pursuing certificates or degrees that support the corn and small grains industries. Eligible fields include agriculture, business, communication, economics, education, policy, science, and technology, as well as related technical programs. The program is intended for students enrolled in trade schools, colleges, or universities who demonstrate a desire to pursue careers connected to the corn and wheat industry.
Eligibility: Applicants must be members of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association (membership may be obtained at the time of application) and must be enrolled as a student by the fall of the 2026/2027 school year; applicants must also show Ohio legal residency.
Award Value: Ohio Corn & Wheat invests $15,000 annually in scholarships; funds are awarded to students and must be used directly for tuition, fees, and books. Scholarships are awarded one time per person, and applicants can also apply for the National Corn Growers Association scholarship via the NCGA consolidated scholarship application when eligible.
- $15,000 invested annually in scholarship support.
- Funds are restricted to tuition, fees, and books and are awarded to the student.
- Membership in Ohio Corn & Wheat is required; one-time award per recipient.
Emerging Leaders Program
Description: The Emerging Leaders Program is a two-day program for Ohio corn and wheat farmers who want to deepen their involvement with the organization and grow as advocates and board-ready leaders. Participants learn about Ohio Corn & Wheat’s structure, priorities, and impact, including the Ohio Corn Marketing Program, Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program, and the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association. The program covers board governance, public policy, advocacy, market development, and checkoff investments to prepare farmers for leadership and representation roles.
Eligibility: The program is designed for Ohio corn and wheat farmers who are ready to engage more actively with the organization and explore potential future service on one of Ohio Corn & Wheat’s boards.
- Two-day intensive focused on governance, advocacy, and program impact.
- Direct engagement with staff, leaders, and fellow farmers.
- Serves as a pathway to board service and leadership within the organization.