GFAI Scholarships

Grain and Feed Association of Illinois represents Illinois companies in the grain and feed handling industry. Members include multi-national grain handlers/shippers, as well as local grain elevators, feed dealers, ethanol plants, manufacturers and companies that provide goods and services to the industry. www.gfai.org

You Should Consider This Scholarship Experience 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

To learn more about careers in the industry, visit our website at www.gfai.org/scholarship-and-career-information.html.

Recipients are Awarded:

• 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 is awarded 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 3-5, 2026 complete with site visits around the state, educational programs and social events!
• Hotel accommodations and registration at GFAI’s Annual Convention and Trade Show where all recipients will be recognized during the general session on February 15, 2027 in Peoria, IL.

Eligibility:

• Permanent Illinois address and a full-time freshman, sophomore, or junior at an accredited college or university. High School seniors with a minimum of 24 completed college credits are eligible to apply
• 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 3-5, 2026
  • Write two blog posts detailing their experiences
• Applicants may only be awarded a GFAI Scholarship once. Previous winners who are sophomores or juniors are eligible for a $1,000 Renewable Scholarship.
• Students must be interested in a career in the grain handling or feed industries and submit a transcript and three (3) professional letters of recommendation from a school advisor, faculty, employer, etc.

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​

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 3-5, 2026, 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 15, 2027 in Peoria, IL.   ​​

Eligibility:

• Full-time junior at an accredited college or university at the time of application: must be a senior during the fall 2026 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 positions), accounting, origination, or merchandising.
  • Attend the Summer Kickoff Tour on August 3-5, 2026
• 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.