2025 Foundation Scholarships Now Being Accepted
Careers in agriculture include farming and much more! The Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation has many support opportunities for those who are pursuing careers in the following fields: plant science, animal science, agricultural business, agricultural mechanics, food science, diesel mechanics, ag-related education, education, and/or rural mental health plus more!
According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service, a total of 19.7 million jobs, or 10.3% of U.S. employment, was related to agriculture in 2020. Farming only made up 13.5% of agricultural employment, food service made up 53.4%, and food and beverage stores made up 16.5%. There are more than one million agriculture-related jobs in Illinois alone.
The CCFB Foundation scholarship application window for the 27th Annual “Farm and Food” Agricultural Scholarship Program is now open. The Foundation offers these scholarships to college students who are pursuing an ag-related career with the opportunity to start or continue their higher education.
Howard Paarlberg Excellence in Agriculture ($3,500) – This scholarship will be provided to the individual with the top ranked application determined by the scholarship review committee with a focus on an agriculturally related career.
Stuenkel Family Scholarship ($3,000) – This scholarship has been designed for individuals and CCFB members who are pursuing higher education with a focus on an agriculturally related career in the areas of technology, education, leadership development, and/or mental health. (Application window opens in December)
Other “Farm and Food” Scholarships (up to $2,500) – College scholarships will go to other qualified applicants pursuing agriculturally related careers.
Deadline for Applications is February 14, 2025. Visit www.cookcfb.org/foundation for more information on these scholarships and to apply.
In addition to the “Farm and Food” Agriculture Scholarships, there are other scholarship opportunities available as shown below
More Scholarship Opportunities Available…
“Moving Ag Forward” Vocational Ag Career Training (available in three cycles in 2024/2025) – These scholarships have been designed for individuals and Cook County Farm Bureau members pursuing training in agriculturally related skills including tractor/truck diesel mechanics, CDL for crop, food and livestock hauling, welding, agricultural technology, etc. (Application window open now)
Adult Scholarships (availability based on training sessions and acceptance) – Scholarships for Cook County Farm Bureau members include tuition assistance for:
• Master Urban Farmer training and certification
• Master Gardener training and certification
• Illinois Ag Leadership Program (IALP) training program
• Ag Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT) training program (Application window open now)
Mental Health Training Expense Reimbursement – Mental Health Professionals or Cook County Farm Bureau members seeking to assist farmers and the rural community who attend and participate in mental health/suicide prevention training seminars, conferences, or educational sessions may be eligible for support and reimbursement. Contact the Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation at 708-354-3276 or email [email protected]. (Available throughout the year).
Visit www.cookcfb.org/foundation for more information on these scholarships and to apply.