DuPage County General Scholarship Fund

This year, all scholarships will be submitted through an online application portal. During the process, applicants will be prompted to enter both a teacher’s and an advisor’s email address for the required recommendations and transcripts. Each recommender will then receive a link from Reviewr to complete their portion of the application, so please be sure to let your teacher and advisor know to watch for this email. Your progress will be saved to your account, allowing you to work on the application over time. If you have any questions about this process, please contact the DuPage County Farm Bureau at 630-668-8161 or email info@dcfb.org.

Arnold Oestmann Scholarship, $1,500

Up to seven scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors who will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree. There are no restrictions on the college course of study.  This scholarship was created in memory of Arnold Oestmann of Westmont, IL. Mr. Oestmann was a past president of the DuPage County Farm Bureau.

Scholarship Deadline April 1, 2026

Culinary and Nutrition Scholarship, $2,000

Up to two scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors or college freshman, sophomore, or junior in a culinary or nutrition-related program.  Food begins on a farm, and those working in related industries can study food and the importance and impact it has in our daily lives.

Scholarship Deadline May 1, 2026

General Scholarship Fund, $2,500

Up to five scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors who will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree related to the agriculture industry. Agriculture involves a wide range of careers. Qualified programs may include, but are not limited to, horticulture, agronomy, engineering, veterinary, communications, environmental science, food science, biology, etc. Applicants must explain how their chosen career path will impact the agriculture industry.

Scholarship Deadline  May 1, 2026

Ken F. Ebersold Scholarship, $3,000

Up to three scholarships will be awarded to college freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, or those pursuing a master’s degree.  Students must be actively and successfully pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in an agricultural-related course of study.  This scholarship was created in memory of Ken F. Ebersold of Downers Grove, IL.  Mr. Ebersold was a past president of the DuPage County Farm Bureau and an active volunteer for many years.  Past recipients of this scholarship may apply during each year of their college career.

Scholarship Deadline  May 1, 2026

Trade Scholarship, $2,000

Up to two trade scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors enrolled in a Trade and Technical career program. Areas may include, but are not limited to, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, truck driving, etc.

Application deadline is May 1, 2026

John Buck Memorial Scholarships (Kane County Farm Burau offering)

Two $1,500 scholarships are available for students from Kane, DeKalb, McHenry, Boone, DuPage, Lake or Will County pursuing a degree in an agriculture field with preference given to students with agricultural mechanics and turf management career ambitions.

Scholarship Application Tips

• Gather everything you need to complete the application before you start. Doing so will help you stay on track.
• Official transcripts must come from the school registrar and can be submitted in two ways:

1. Transcripts must come directly from the school, in a sealed envelope enclosed with your application or mailed separately to the DCFB office.

2. The registrar of the school can email your transcripts to info@dcfb.org.

• Do not use acronyms such as JROTC. Spell out the names of organizations. The acronym you use might not be familiar to people reviewing your application.
• Ask people you know well to write letters of recommendation. A school advisor/counselor, pastor, club advisor, teacher, coach/instructor, or manager/supervisor are all great choices.
• Give people writing letters of recommendation plenty of time to write and submit the letter before the application deadline.
• Do not leave any sections incomplete, if you submit an incomplete application, it will not be considered.
• If you need more space to write than the application provides, you can submit attachments.  Adding additional information can be beneficial. For example, you can submit a resume, portfolio, list of accomplishments, letters of recommendation etc.
• Remember, many students are applying for the same scholarship, presentation can help you stand out. Typing on your application is clear and legible.  If you are writing on your application, avoid using a pencil, instead use a pen and print clear and neat.

Avoid:

• stapling your application
• folding your application
• having food or drink stains
• Reading the instructions before you start, meeting deadlines ahead of time and following these tips will help you successfully submit your scholarship applications.
• Please contact us with any questions, we are here to help.

Important Information to know

• Applications must be postmarked by the deadline date.  Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
• All Scholarship checks will be issued directly to the school.
• You will be contacted via email, please provide an updated email address.
• If for any reason the student withdraws or drops out of school, the monies awarded from the Foundation will be payable back to the Foundation.
• If you are selected to receive a scholarship, we will need the following information:

1. A recent photo, preferably your senior photo.  It will be used to announce that you are a scholarship recipient in the Farm Bureau publication, the DuPage Farmer. We will also honor you at our Annual Membership Appreciation Dinner.

2. A letter from the registrar at your chosen college or university indicating that you have enrolled as a student for the Fall 2023 term.  Acceptance letters are not sufficient.

3. A copy of your student I.D., or class schedule with the Student ID number listed.

4. The appropriate mailing address to which the scholarship funds can be sent. Checks will be issued directly to the school.