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!

Visit the Scholarship Blogs for first-hand experiences to learn what it was like to work with GFAI members and watch the "Careers That Count" video to learn more about career opportunities in the grain and feed industries.

GFAI Scholarship Opportunities

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

2026 GFAI Industry Immersion Scholarship Application
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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 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:

• 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 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.

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Country Grain Elevator Management Scholarship   ​

2026 Country Grain Elevator Management Scholarship Application
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File Type:	pdf

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You may apply for both This Scholarship AND the 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 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 17, 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 of position), 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. ​

Any questions? Email [email protected]! 

2025-2026 Scholarship Recipients

Industry Immersion Scholarship
Aiden Hamm (University of Arizona) of Peotone
Nicole Kerber (Illinois State University) of Walnut
Noah Lee (Mississippi State University) of Peoria
​Luke Wessels (University of Illinois) of Dunlap 
Emma Whitaker (Iowa State University) of Carthage
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Country Grain Elevator Management Scholarship
Luke Wessels (University of Illinois) of Dunlap 

GFAI Scholarship Newsletter 2025

Scholarship Newsletter 2025.pdf
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Learn about the Scholarship Experience with this Highlights Reel from recent years! 

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​Become a Student Member of GFAI!
Students can join GFAI for free and will receive Association emails including scholarship, internship and career notifications. Simply complete the form below to become a student member!