GFAI Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Grain and Feed Association of Illinois

Grain & Feed Association of Illinois (GFAI) advocates for Illinois businesses involved in grain and feed handling. Its membership ranges from multinational grain handlers and shippers to local elevators, feed distributors, ethanol plants, equipment manufacturers and service providers. Learn more at www.gfai.org (career and scholarship details: www.gfai.org/scholarship-and-career-information.html).

Why this opportunity might be right for you
- You’re interested in agriculture with a focus on grain handling or the feed sector.
- You want a stable, well‑paid career that contributes to feeding the world.
- You’re curious about grain merchandising/originating, safety, operations, feed milling, or management.

Overview of benefits for scholarship recipients
- Gain industry exposure, expand your professional network, and strengthen your resume through GFAI events and contacts.
- Participate in a 3‑day Summer Kickoff Tour (August 3–5, 2026) with facility tours, educational sessions, and social activities.
- Hotel lodging and registration for GFAI’s Annual Convention & Trade Show; scholarship recipients will be acknowledged during the general session on February 15, 2027 in Peoria, IL.

Scholarship Option A — $3,500 Industry Immersion Scholarship
- Award structure: $3,500 total; 40% of the award is paid at the Summer Kickoff Tour, with the remainder paid after program completion in the spring.
- Practical experience: Recipients complete four days of on‑site work at a GFAI member facility (two days in spring and two days in fall), submit two blog posts describing their experiences, and may recommend a preferred host site.
- Networking and professional development opportunities through GFAI events and member contacts.

Eligibility for the $3,500 scholarship
- Must have a permanent Illinois address.
- Be a full‑time freshman, sophomore or junior at an accredited college or university. High school seniors who already have at least 24 college credits are also eligible.
- Agree to: (1) work four days at a member facility (2 days each term), (2) attend the Summer Kickoff Tour on August 3–5, 2026, and (3) write two blog posts about the experience.
- Submit an academic transcript and three professional recommendations (from a school adviser, faculty member, employer, etc.).
- Note: A student may receive the GFAI Scholarship only once. Previous winners who are sophomores or juniors may qualify for a $1,000 Renewable Scholarship.

Scholarship Option B — $5,000 Career Commitment Scholarship
- Award structure: $5,000 total paid in stages — $1,000 upon selection; $2,000 when the recipient accepts a full‑time position at an Illinois country grain elevator in one of the qualifying roles; $2,000 after completing the first year in that position.
- Includes the same 3‑day Summer Kickoff Tour (August 3–5, 2026), plus hotel and convention registration for GFAI’s Annual Convention & Trade Show where scholarship recipients will be recognized on February 15, 2027.

Eligibility for the $5,000 scholarship
- Must be a full‑time junior at an accredited college or university when applying and must be a senior in fall 2026.
- Plan to pursue a full‑time position at an Illinois country grain elevator after graduation. The qualifying positions include management (including trainee roles), accounting, origination, or merchandising.
- Must attend the Summer Kickoff Tour on August 3–5, 2026.
- Submit an academic transcript and three professional recommendations (from a school adviser, faculty member, employer, etc.).
- You may apply for this award and, if selected, receive it in addition to the Industry Immersion Scholarship. Only one student will be chosen for this $5,000 scholarship.

How to learn more and apply
- Full program information and application details are available at www.gfai.org/scholarship-and-career-information.html.