CCFB News» February 2023

The Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation has opened the 25^th Annual “Farm and Food” Agricultural Scholarship Program. The Foundation offers college students who are pursuing an ag-related career the opportunity to start or continue their higher education with a scholarship. Last year, the Foundation provided six scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 each.

The Board will name the top applicant as the Howard Paarlberg Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship recipient.

The Foundation Board has set the following criteria for the scholarship program:

• Applications must be completed and submitted to the CCFB Foundation by February 15, 2023. Late applications will not be considered. Applications can be submitted electronically.
• All applicants (Applying for the “Farm and Food” Ag Scholarship program only) must be members or dependents of members in good standing with the Cook County Farm Bureau for at least one year.
• All applicants must be high school graduates accepted for enrollment by, or currently enrolled at, an accredited college, university, or community college.
• All applicants must be pursuing a field of study in agriculture, agri-business, or an agricultural related major with a focus on an ag-related career (food, fuel, or fiber).
• Scholarships will be awarded following application evaluation for exceptional academic ability, financial need, demonstrated interest in agriculture, evidence of self-help, and character.

In addition to the “Farm and Food” Foundation Scholarship, there are two other scholarship opportunities:

CONSERV FS Scholarship – This scholarship does not require a CCFB membership, however the applicant must be an FFA member in a Cook County high school FFA program or be attending a Cook County high school that offers ag-related classes and the applicant must be taking classes within the curriculum. Value: $1,000

Stuenkel Family Scholarship – A CCFB membership is required, however, there is no waiting period. Applicants can be a previous recipient of a CCFB Foundation scholarship. Applicants must be a high school graduate or be graduating in 2023. This scholarship has been designed for members pursuing higher education with a focus on an ag-related career in the areas of technology, education, leadership development, and/or mental health. Value: TBD

What is an Agricultural Career? Farming, of course, but there is so much more! Jobs in agriculture include plant sciences, animal sciences, agricultural mechanics, agricultural business, environmental services, food science, and natural resources.

Plant Sciences	Agricultural Mechanics	Animal Sciences

For more information or to complete an application online, please visit www.cookcfb.org/foundation or contact the Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation by phone at 708-354-3276.