Frequently Asked Questions

This year’s application period runs from Dec 1, 2009 through Feb 1, 2010. The application period follows a similar time line each year.

Each year the IAA Foundation scholarships are announced in FarmWeek, the weekly Illinois Farm Bureau news publication, as well as on RFD radio.

  • Do I have to include transcripts for high school if I am already attending college? Show Answer

Yes, the transcripts must be “official” which means they must have a raised seal or stamp and must be provided by your school.

  • My high school offered dual credit or college credit classes at our high school location. Do I still need a separate college transcript for those classes?
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No.

  • I am a freshman in college. Do I need to supply official college transcripts? Show Answer

Yes, we will need to see an official transcript of your first semester as well as your high school transcript.

  • I am a Graduate student with a completed Undergraduate degree. Do I need to provide a high school transcript? Show Answer

No, after completing an undergraduate degree, you need only supply a complete, official transcript from the college or university where you received your degree. If you attended more than one college before you received your degree, we will need transcripts from all schools attended.

  • Do I have to use the Activities Template provided on the IAA Foundation website? I already have a different form. Show Answer

Yes, use of the template provided on our website is required. The template is expandable to fit each individual applicant’s needs and is a Word document.

The application is created as a protected Word document. Please check your settings, as the application is created to be available on any computer. Once open, you can fill it out online and then print out the completed document; or, you can save the form as a Word document and then complete and print at your own pace. Remember, if you close out of the application on the website, your changes will NOT be saved.

  • Can I print out the blank application and then complete it by hand?
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No handwritten applications will be accepted.

  • If I am applying to both the IAA Foundation scholarships and the Prairie Farms Dairy scholarships, can I just send in one set of transcripts and references? Show Answer

No, if you are applying to both scholarships you will need two complete application packets with individual sets of transcripts, references, etc. Each application is reviewed separately and must be complete.

  • Can I apply for more than one scholarship? Show Answer

Yes, there is an area to check off the scholarships for which you are ELIGIBLE on the IAA Foundation scholarship application. The only scholarship that requires a separate application form and documents is the Prairie Farms Dairy employee/patron scholarship.

  • Do my references from teachers and/or administration need to be on letterhead? Show Answer

Yes, all high school and college references must be on school letterhead. Any references from businesses, clergy, etc. must also be on relevant letterhead. Only personal references can be on plain paper.

  • What is required for the Professional Goals/Personal Statement in Section 5 of the application? Show Answer

Only one essay is required on a separate sheet using 12 pt font and not exceeding 2 pages. This is where you can personalize your essay. Just be sure to include your goals and any other specific information about yourself that you think the review committee should know. Basically, tell us why you should be chosen to receive a scholarship.

  • Do I have to fill out every section of the Activities Template? Show Answer

No, only fill out the applicable sections. Please do be sure to use the “description” section to elaborate or highlight your specific activities.

  • Can I just send in my application by the postmarked deadline date of February 1, and then send in the rest of my supporting documents later? Show Answer

NO, all materials must be postmarked by February 1, 2010. Please plan ahead and give yourself enough time to request transcripts and reference letters and get them to us by the deadline date.

  • Will I receive notification that you received my application? Show Answer

No, the only time you will receive an email or postcard is if there is missing information. It will be your responsibility to follow up if you have additional questions.

Scholarship recipients are announced in late April or early May. Letters will go out to both the recipients and non-recipients before the announcement on our website and in FarmWeek.

  • If I do receive a scholarship, when will the checks be sent out? Show Answer

Scholarship checks will be sent out to the recipient’s school by the first week in August and will be distributed equally during both semesters.

  • Can the check be sent to me directly if I am a recipient? Show Answer

No, funds must be sent directly to your school.

Information is also available at your county Farm Bureau office, by calling the IAA Foundation office at 309-557-2230, or by emailing Carol Harms-Garman at charms-garman@ilfb.org.