Crop science scholarships offered
Applications are now available for the 2017-18 crop sciences scholarship. The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff program crop science scholarships are offered each year to students entering their junior year of college and studying a crop science or related field.
The crop sciences scholarship is offered each year by ISA in coordination with the Illinois Agricultural Association (IAA) Foundation. The scholarship is open to students studying crop sciences at one of the state's four agriculture universities: Illinois State University, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, University of Illinois and Western Illinois University.
Crop sciences majors include entomology, plant diseases, weed science, plant breeding and biotechnology, soil fertility and crop husbandry and private, public and government research.
"This scholarship gives us the opportunity to partner with students to explore soybean research opportunities while helping to fund their education," says ISA Director of Strategic Research Programs Linda Kull. "We look forward to giving students the encouragement to continue in their studies that will impact Illinois soybean farmers one day."
Up to five college students will be awarded scholarships of $4,000 per year based on exceptional academic ability, leadership and financial need. Awardees are eligible for renewal the second year based on successful reapplication and meeting all renewal requirements.
"Crop sciences is an area of study that needs talented students who want to work in soybean research and development that can lead to solutions for feeding the world," says John Longley, soybean farmer from Aledo, Ill., and chairman of the ISA Production and Outreach Committee. "Providing scholarships is an investment in our future. We hope more students pursue crop science careers."
Applications are due Feb. 1, 2017. In March, the ISA Scholarship Committee will conduct applicant interviews in Bloomington. Winners will be announced May 1, 2017. To apply, visit www.iaafoundation.org/Scholarships or contact Angel Terrell at the ISA office at 309-808-3600.
