GFAI Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Grain and Feed Association of Illinois

Members of the Grain and Feed Association of Illinois represent a sector of the ag industry that is comprised of grain elevators, multi-national companies, single grain handling facilities, feed mills, ethanol plants, processors, feed mills and more. There are many career opportunities across Illinois and in a variety of capacities such as merchandising, origination, safety, accounting, engineering and more. The careers are steady, the pay is competitive and the prospect to become a part of the industry that feeds the world is exciting!

2025 Applications Open January 1- April 15, 2025

You Should Consider Applying for GFAI Scholarships If You….

• Want to work in ag and have an interest in the grain handling and feed industries
• Want a steady career, competitive pay and to become a part of the industry that helps feed the world

Have an interest in grain merchandising/originating, safety, operations, feed milling, management and more

​Industry Immersion Scholarship

Recipients Receive:

• Networking and career-building opportunities – Learn about the grain industry, network, build your resume and meet new people who can open doors for your career!
• A $3,500 scholarship – 40% of the scholarship is provided at the Summer Kickoff Tour and the remaining amount upon completion of the program in the spring.
• Real work experience – Students will work 4 days at a member facility (2 days each in the spring and fall) and provide two blog posts detailing their experiences. Students can suggest their preferred host.
• A 3-day Summer Kickoff Tour on August 4-6, 2025, complete with site visits around the state, educational programs and social events!
• Hotel accommodations & registration at GFAI's Annual Convention & Trade Show where recipients of the scholarship will be recognized during general session on February 16, 2026 in St. Louis.  

Eligibility:

• Permanent Illinois address and a full-time freshman, sophomore or junior at an accredited college or university
• Students must be willing to:
  • Work four days at a member facility (2 days each in spring and fall)
  • Attend the Summer Kickoff Tour on August 4-6, 2025
  • Write two blog posts detailing their experiences
• Applicants may only be awarded this GFAI Scholarship once. Previous winners who are sophomores or juniors are eligible for a $1,000 “Renewable Scholarship,” with requirements to interview a facility manager, complete a 30-60 second video, or job shadow 2 days at a member facility and write blog posts about their experience.
• Students must be interested in a career in the grain handling or feed industries, submit a transcript and three (3) professional letters of recommendation from a school adviser, faculty, employer, etc.

Country Grain Elevator Management Scholarship 

(May Apply for Both This Scholarship AND Industry Immersion Scholarship if Eligible)

Recipients Receive:

• Networking and career-building opportunities – Learn about the grain industry, network, build your resume and meet new people who can open doors for your career!
• A $5,000 scholarship – $1,000 awarded upon selection, $2,000 awarded upon accepting a full-time position at an IL country grain elevator in either management, accounting, origination, or merchandising, $2,000 awarded upon completion of first year in said position.
• A 3-day Summer Kickoff Tour on August 4-6, 2025, complete with site visits around the state, educational programs and social events!
• Hotel accommodations & registration at GFAI's Annual Convention & Trade Show where recipients of the scholarship will be recognized during general session on February 16, 2026 in St. Louis. 

Eligibility:

• Full-time junior at an accredited college or university at the time of application: must be a senior during the fall 2025 semester.
• Students must:
• Plan to work full-time at an Illinois country elevator after graduation. If hired, position must be in either management (including trainee type of position), accounting, origination, or merchandising.
• Attend the Summer Kickoff Tour on August 4-6, 2025
• Students must be interested in a career in the grain handling or feed industries, submit a transcript and three (3) professional letters of recommendation from a school adviser, faculty, employer, etc.
• You may apply, and if chosen, receive both this scholarship and the Industry Immersion Scholarship. Only one student will be selected for this scholarship.