How to apply for Farm Bureau Foundation scholarship

The Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation announced the 17th annual Agricultural Scholarship Program opened Monday, Dec. 1.

The Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation is offering college students pursuing agriculturally related fields of study, the opportunity to start or continue his/her higher agricultural education with a scholarship. Last year, the foundation provided 10 scholarships ranging from $1,000-$2,500. The board will name the top applicant as the Howard Paarlberg Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship recipient. The Conserv FS FFA Scholarship for $1,000 will also be offered to a high school senior in an approved FFA Program.

The foundation board has set the following criteria for the scholarship program:

• Applications are available at the Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation office, 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside. Application are also available by calling (708) 354-3276 or they can be printed out from the foundation's Web page at www.cookcfb.org.

• Applications must be completed and submitted to the CCFB Foundation by Friday, Feb. 20. Late applications will not be considered.

• All applicants must be members or dependents of members in good standing with the Cook County Farm Bureau for at least one year (except for the Conserv FS FFA Award).

• All applicants must be high school graduates accepted for enrollment by, or currently enrolled at, an accredited college, university or community college.

• All applicants must be pursuing a field of study in agriculture, agribusiness or an agriculturally related major with a focus on an ag-related career.

• Scholarships will be awarded following application evaluation for exceptional academic ability, financial need, demonstrated interest in agriculture, evidence of self-help and character.

For information or an application, contact the Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation at (708) 354-3276 or print an application out from the website at www.cookcfb.org/cook-cfb-foundation/scholarships.