Vocational Scholarship
“Moving Ag Forward” Vocational Ag Career Training Scholarships
Agriculture and farming needs skilled workers to support the industry including:
- CDL drivers for hauling agricultural commodities, food products, inputs and equipment.
- Diesel mechanics to keep agricultural equipment running in the fields and on the road
- Welders for construction and repair of agricultural equipment and systems
- Technology specialists for high-tech agricultural equipment, machines, and systems.
The CCFB Foundation is offering four vocational agriculture career training scholarships up to $1,250 to students enrolled in a vocational training program or at an Illinois Community College for Truck Driver Training, diesel mechanics, welding, or technology with a focus on an agriculturally connected career.
In 2023/2024, there will be 3 open enrollment cycles for a “Moving Ag Forward” scholarships:
Application and Enrollment Windows:
OPEN NOW! - Cycle 1: Deadline for consideration is October 31, 2023 for program enrollment January 1 – April 30, 2024.
Cycle 2: Deadline for consideration is February 28, 2024 for program enrollment May 1 - August 31, 2024.
Cycle 3: Deadline for consideration is July 31, 2024 for program enrollment September 1- December 31, 2024.
To Apply:
- Must be an Illinois resident.
- Bonus points for being a Cook County Farm Bureau member.
- Must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in a vocational training program or a commercial driving training program at an Illinois Community College during the corresponding timeframe.
- Proof of enrollment must be provided when a recipient enrolls to receive the award.
- An endorsement signed by a Cook County farmer, Cook County Farm Bureau leader, area agribusiness, or area food processing business.
- Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation directors and employees of Cook County Farm Bureau or their immediate family members are not eligible to apply.
Awards will be made based on evaluation by the Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation board of the application received from the applicant.
If all funds allocated to the program are distributed in the first cycle, the next cycle of scholarships will be postponed until the next fiscal year of the Foundation.
Applicants receiving the scholarship must provide proof of enrollment. If an applicant does not provide proof of enrollment, they forfeit the scholarship. Payments will be made directly to the vocational program or Community College where the recipient is enrolled to assist the training program.