College

College Scholarship Program

Because of the generosity of the farming community in allowing hot air balloons to launch from or land on their property, the members of Balloon Association of Greater Illinois (BAGI), are pleased to sponsor $500 scholarships to students majoring in agriculture or an agriculture-related program. The scholarships, which are non-renewable, will be awarded on the basis of exceptional scholastic ability and/or financial need. Vermilion County Farm Bureau will administer the Balloon Association of Greater Illinois Scholarships.

Eligibility

  1. Must be an Illinois Farm Bureau member, member's dependent (age 21 and younger), or spouse of member.
  2. Must be a U.S. citizen.
  3. Must be a high school graduate.
  4. Must be accepted by or enrolled in an accredited community college, college, or university.
  5. Must be enrolled in agriculture, agribusiness or agriculture-related field.
  6. Must exhibit potential for successful completion of course of study.
  7. Must reside in one of the following Illinois counties: Adams, Champaign, DeWitt, Douglas, Ford, Iroquois, Logan, Macon, Marion, Mason, McDonough, McLean, Menard, Moultrie, Peoria, Piatt, Sangamon, Tazewell, and Vermilion.

Additional Considerations

  1. Scholarship
    • Academic Performance and honors
    • Rank in Class
  2. Demonstrated interest in agriculture and agribusiness
  3. Financial Need
  4. Evidence of self-help (How the student is contributing financially to his/her education)

Application - Due by March 15th

Please use the following process to apply for the scholarship.

  1. Have at least one non-family member write a short character reference describing how they know you and what they have observed about you. This will need to be a pdf or word file or, if handwritten, will need to be scanned. Have them include their name, address, and phone number. You will need to attach that document into the following on-line form.
  2. Complete the application form HERE.
  3. If you have difficulties or need to email your character reference, please contact Kerry Wienke at the Vermilion County Farm Bureau.