Items in this listserv:

HOT TOPICS - MUST KNOW:

• ON FIRE - HOT, HOT, HOT - 2024 State FFA Degree Application - Click on AET State Degree 

• State Officer Candidate and Parent Orientation - Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 1:oo p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Click here to RSVP. 

• 2024 Illinois FFA Selection Committee

The State FFA Officer Selection Committee application is due March 15, 2024.  If you have students who are interested in being on the 2024 Selection Committee click here to apply.  Should a student be selected, they need to know the selection committee will meet on April 27, 2024, in Springfield, Illinois. Their attendance will be critical to the process. Their ability to travel to Springfield on that date is required.

• Required Signed Forms for Ground Zero Conference - Participation Forms & CARE Form in AET.

Please see this document with the link to the required Participation Form & Instructions for completing the CARE Form before the conference.  If you do not get these forms done ahead of time then you cannot participate in the conference until we receive the signed forms.  

• LUKE Warm - National Chapter Award - DUE April 1, 2024, and MUST be SUBMITTED, need a REMINDER on how to submit?  Click Here.  Great news, the January State Scoop podcast special guest is Trent Taber, Cambridge FFA provides insight and advice on the National Chapter Award.  It’s COMING SOON!

****NEW Information****

1. IAA Foundation Scholarship Program Announcement

2. Compeer Financial Scholarships

3. GFAI is now accepting scholarship applications! 

4. Washington University - Junior Veterinary Scribe Certificate

5. Illinois Pork Producer Scholarships 

6. 2024 American FFA Degree Interview Schedule

1. IAA Foundation Scholarship Program Announcement

The 2024 IAA Foundation Scholarship Application Period is NOW OPEN! The lineup includes 110 scholarships totaling $192,001 in tuition support. 

Apply Online

Application link and all supporting materials including eligibility can be found at  www.iaafoundation.org.   Please read all instructions carefully and refer to the FAQ document on the website to help answer any questions.

Watch the Deadline

Students can apply between now and February 15, 2024. All required information must be submitted by that date, no exceptions. 

Supporting the Future of Agriculture

As the charitable arm of the Illinois Farm Bureau, our Mission is to fund education, research, and charitable activities that benefit Illinois farm families and agriculture. We proudly offer scholarship opportunities for students pursuing degrees related to agriculture, and those with family farming backgrounds. 

2.  Compeer Financial Scholarships

Championing the dreams of agriculture and rural high school seniors 

Do you know a high school senior that would be a good fit for our scholarship? Tag them so they can apply! We champion the next generation of agriculture leaders through our competitive scholarship program.

Learn more and apply: Compeer.com/Scholarships

Compeer Financial Offers Scholarships to High School Seniors
$1,500 scholarships will be awarded to 123 students

Sun Prairie, Wis., (January 9, 2024) – The Fund for Rural America, Compeer Financial’s corporate giving program, is offering 123 scholarships to students this year. Graduating high school seniors with an agriculture or rural background, or those planning to major in an agriculture-related field at a community college, university or technical school are encouraged to apply between now and March 15.

Each scholarship recipient will receive $1,500 for educational tuition expenses. Qualified applicants must be graduating seniors residing in Compeer Financial’s 144-county territory with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Recipients will be selected based on a combination of academic achievement, agricultural, community and youth organization involvement, and essays.

Since 2018, the Fund has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to 710 graduating seniors.

“Providing scholarships to students interested in agriculture or rural America is a way we can support the future of our industry,” said Karen Schieler, senior corporate giving specialist at Compeer Financial. “These students embody our mission of championing rural, and we look forward to their applications.”

Students can find more information and the scholarship application at compeer.com/scholarships. All applications must be submitted through the online platform. The application deadline is March 15.

About the Fund for Rural America

The Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America is the corporate giving program of Compeer Financial, structured to support Compeer Financial’s mission to enrich agriculture and rural America. Compeer Financial’s Board of Directors has dedicated one percent of annual net earnings to support the Fund’s focus areas of agriculture education, youth engagement, rural development and community enrichment, agricultural advocacy and development, and cooperative initiatives. The Fund is managed by a Board of Trustees, made up of team members from Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin and members of the Compeer Financial Board of Directors. More information about opportunities available through the Fund can be found at Compeer.com/giving-back.

About Compeer Financial

Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural communities. The $30.4 billion organization provides loans, leases, risk management and other financial services throughout 144 counties in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Based in the Upper Midwest, Compeer Financial exists to champion the hopes and dreams of rural America, while providing personalized service and expertise to clients and the agriculture industry.

Compeer Financial is the third largest cooperative of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of lending institutions supporting agriculture and rural communities with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. Learn more about Compeer Financial’s scholarship program.

3.  GFAI is now accepting scholarship applications! 

For the 2024-2025 academic year, GFAI is pleased to introduce two distinctive scholarship paths for college students:

Industry Immersion Scholarship:

• Amount: $3,500

• Eligibility: Freshmen, sophomores, or juniors at accredited colleges or universities with permanent Illinois residence.

• Additional Benefit: Graduates of the Industry Immersion program can apply for a renewable $1,000 scholarship.

• Highlights: Recipients will embark on a 3-day Industry Immersion Kick-Off Tour in August, gaining invaluable insights by visiting industry facilities across the state and participating in networking events. Recognitions will also take place at the 2025 Opening Session of the Grain and Feed Association's Annual Convention and Trade Show in Springfield.

The unique Industry Immersion program pairs students with member facilities, allowing them to shadow professionals for at least two days each semester. Students will share their experiences through our student blog, offering a comprehensive understanding of industry operations throughout the year. 

Country Grain Elevator Management Scholarship:

• Amount: $5,000

• Eligibility: Students entering their senior year in the Fall 2024 semester, planning to work full-time post-graduation at an Illinois country grain elevator in management, accounting, origination, or merchandising.

• Highlights: Recipients will attend the 2024 Summer Kick-Off Tour in August and the 2025 Convention & Trade Show in St. Louis. Eligible students may apply for both this scholarship and the Industry Immersion Scholarship.

We encourage eligible students to explore the application details, including eligibility and payout information, on our website. Please note that only one applicant will be selected for the Country Grain Elevator Management Scholarship.

Thank you for your ongoing support in fostering the next generation of leaders in the Illinois grain and feed industry. We look forward to receiving applications from promising students eager to contribute to the success of our dynamic community.

Applications will be accepted through March 1, 2024. 

Applications and more information can be found here.

Washington University - Junior Veterinary Scribe Certificate

Washington State University is pleased to announce that a Junior Veterinary Scribe Certificate is now being offered to current high school students ages 16 and 17.

The course consists of 10 asynchronous online learning modules, meaning the students can complete the program at their own pace. Upon completion, the student will receive a certificate acknowledging their success in completing the Junior Veterinary Scribe certificate.

What Are the Student Benefits of This Certification?

·   Additional skill sets for obtaining a job while in high school or in a post-graduation veterinary career. Career possibilities include full or part time scribing for remote online companies, in-clinic scribing careers and further education for receptionists, veterinary assistants, and other team members.

·   A unique educational experience earning an entire certificate in the field of veterinary scribing to showcase on both college and job applications.

·   The ability to demonstrate professional communication with the ability to facilitate appointments and client interactions to strengthen the veterinary-client-patient relationship within the veterinary practice.

·   Prepare for college level courses with the introduction to veterinary medical terminology, anatomy and physiology and pharmacology.

• Any student interested in the basics of:

Medical terminology

Animal anatomy and physiology

Pharmacology

Medical record transcription

Professional Communication

Why WSU?

The certificate improves the student’s college application by adding a unique educational experience, as WSU College of Veterinary Medicine is the first and only educational institution to offer a certificate for veterinary scribes! This certificate does not provide college course credits but an entire certification in the field of veterinary scribing.

If you are interested in your students attending a Zoom presentation regarding the online junior veterinary scribe certificate combined with the undergraduate studies for both veterinary and public health related fields available on campus at WSU, please reach out to me to set up a meeting for your students.  I am very excited to bring this new unique opportunity to high school students across the country!

Promotional materials can be sent if your schedule does not permit a live presentation. Evening presentations outside of school hours can be scheduled.

Veronica Sweeney, LVT

Paraprofessional Program Administrative Manager

College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University

5.  Illinois Pork Producer Scholarships 

IPPA has released their annual scholarship applications for undergraduate students.

All applications are due by 4:00 pm on March 1, 2024.

?APPLY HERE

IPPA Scholarships

The Illinois Pork Producers Association proudly awards nine students with a scholarship each school year. Three Levels are awarded: (3) Gold Scholarships at $2,000 each; (3) Silver Scholarships at $1,500 each; (3) Bronze Scholarships at $1,000 each. Applicants must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or be enrolling to begin in the Fall of 2024 to be eligible. IPPA Scholarships are open to students pursuing any undergraduate degree at any two-year or four-year college.

Previous winners may apply again.

Adam Fesser Scholarship

IPPA hosts the Adam Fesser scholarship each year, which is sponsored by the Mid-Illinois Pork Producers Association. One award of $1,000 will be given. Applicants must be an undergraduate at a university/college or community college for the fall semester 2024. Applicants must also have been a 4-H or FFA member and an Illinois resident. Students applying for the Adam Fesser Scholarship must complete an application form and a typed essay identifying the reason they want to pursue a career in agriculture, as well as provide transcripts, list of achievements & activities, and statement of financial need. Applications will be reviewed by the Adam Fesser Scholarship Committee to determine the winner.

If you have previously won this scholarship you are not eligible to apply again.

Ryan & Friends Scholarship

IPPA encourages students to apply for the Ryan & Friends Scholarship, sponsored by the Purebred Swine Council. Detailed information about the scholarship can be requested by emailing Chuck Gocken at chuck@mcagplus.com

6.  2024 American FFA Degree Interview Schedule

Please click here to review the 2024 American FFA Degree Interview schedule, keep in mind this schedule is based on the students who completed an intent for the American FFA Degree.  I will continue to make updates to this schedule.  

**** PREVIOUS Information Shared - WORTH Sharing Again****

• CLICK HERE to view

• 2023-24 CDE/LDE Calendar Updated 9-25-23

• C.A.R.E. Form in AET Instructions

• Fall & Spring Conferences Registration & Site Information

• 2024 State FFA Convention Downtown Room Reservations Links

*Please NOTE, that if you click on Dates & Deadlines it will take you to the www.ilaged.org calendar.  

• January 19-20, 2024 - IL FFA Alumni & Supporters Annual Meeting & Auction, President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, 701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL

• January 22-23, 2024 - Ground Zero Conference, Northfield Inn & Suites,  3280 Northfield Dr, Springfield, IL 62702

• January 25, 2024 - Marketing Plan Invitational Information Meeting - Via Zoom

• January 26-27, 2024 - Ground Zero Conference, Southern Illinois University, 1263 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale, IL 62901

• January 30, 2024 - Spring PAS Conference Registration DUE

• January 31, 2024 - Deadline for Foundation Program & Stage Recognition for Sponsorship and Collections 

• January 31, 2024 - Ground Zero Conference, 2 Sites:  Joliet Junior College, Main Campus, U Building - Main Campus, 1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL& WIU, 1 University Cir, Macomb, IL 61455

• February 5-7-, 2024 - American Degree Interviews, FFA Center, Springfield

• February 8, 2024 - Spring PAS Conference, Heartland Community College, 1500 W Raab Rd, Normal, IL 61761

• February 10, 2024 - State FFA Officer Candidate & Parent Orientation, IL FFA Center, Springfield

• February 13, 2024 - FFA Board Virtual Meeting, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

• February 17, 2024 - State Meats Evaluation & Technology & Veterinary Science CDEs Early Bird Registration Ends

• February 17, 2024 - State Ag Ed Lesson Plans DUE

• February 17-25, 2024 - National FFA Week

• February 23, 2024 - Special Accommodations Form DUE for State Meats & Vet Science CDEs to IL FFA Center 

• February 27, 2024 - Virtual FFA Board Meeting, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

• March 2024 - Tentative Ag Legislative Day

• March 1, 2024 - IL FFA Alumni & Supporters Rosters & Dues DUE 

• March 1, 2024 - Sam Taylor Scholarship Applications DUE

• March 1, 2024 - IL FFA Alumni & Supporters Camp Scholarship Application & Letter of Recommendation DUE

• March 2, 2024 - State Meats & State Vet Science & Ag Ed CDEs, University Of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Stock Pavilion, 1380-1476 W Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana, IL 61801

• March 2-3, 2024 - Tentative State Officer Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield

• March 2-3, 2024 - Products Expo, IL State Fairgrounds, Springfield

• March 6, 2024 - District Proficiencies

• March 8, 2024 - ICAE Meeting

• March 9, 2024 - IL FFA Alumni & Supporters Council Meeting, Springfield

• March 12, 2024 - Virtual IAVAT Board Meeting, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

• March 13, 2024 - CREW Meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

• March 13-15, 2024 - Tentative National PAS Conference in Illinois

• March 20, 2024 - Intents due for Marketing Plan Invitational CDE

• March 20-24, 2024 - National MANRRS Conference, Chicago, IL

• March 22, 2024 - Mandatory Registration ENDS for State Dairy Cattle/Handlers CDE

• March 22, 2024 - Special Accommodations Form DUE for State Dairy Cattle/Handlers CDE

• March 22-23, 2024 - State Officer Meeting

• March 23, 2024 - State Awards Day

• March 23, 2024 - Mandatory Registration ENDS State Food Science 

• March 23, 2024 - Special Accommodations Form DUE for State Food Science CDE

• March 28, 2024 - IL FFA Center Closing at 12:30 p.m. for Holiday

• March 29, 2024 - IL FFA Center Closed for Good Friday

• April 1, 2024 - National Chapter Application DUE - MUST SUBMIT - Here’s How

• April 1, 2024 - Eldon Witt Student Teaching Scholarship Applications DUE

• April 5, 2024 - State Dairy Cattle/Handlers CDE, Kaskaskia College, 27210 College Rd, Centralia, IL 62801

• April 5, 2024 - State Livestock Reasons Mandatory Registration CLOSES

• April 5, 2024 - State Horticulture CDE Mandatory Registration CLOSES

• April 5, 2024 - Early Bird Registration Ends for State Livestock Non-Reasons & State Poultry CDEs

• April 6, 2024 - State Food Science CDE, SIU College of Agricultural Sciences, 1205 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale, IL 62901

• April 9, 2024 - Spring Middle School Conference Registration CLOSES & Food Allergies/Special Meals Form DUE for Spring Middle School Conferences

• April 10, 2024 - IAVAT Board Meeting, Tentative, IL FFA Center

• April 11, 2024 - Materials due for Marketing Plan Invitational CDE

• April 12, 2024 - Special Accommodations Form DUE for State Livestock, Horticulture, & Poultry CDEs to IL FFA Center 

• April 15, 2024 - Illinois Foundation FFA Annual Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield

• April 15, 2024 - Results Due for Parliamentary Procedure & Conduct of Chapter Meetings

• April 15, 2024 - Illinois FFA Agriscience Fair Applications DUE

• April 16, 2024 - FFA Board Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield

• April 17, 2024 - State Ag Business Management Early Bird Registration Closes

• April 18, 2024 - State Ag Mechanics Mandatory Registration Closes & Results DUE

• April 18, 2024 - State Ag Mechanics CDE Waiver DUE

• April 19, 2024 - State Livestock & Poultry CDEs, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Stock Pavilion, 1402 W Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana, IL

• April 19, 2024 - State Horticulture CDE, Parkland College, 2400 W Bradley Ave, Champaign, IL 61821

• April 23, 2024 - Virtual IAVAT Administrative Council Meeting, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

• April 23, 2024 - Spring Middle School Conference, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL 

• April 24, 2024 - Special Accommodations Form DUE for State Ag Mechanics CDE, Parliamentary Procedure, & Conduct of Chapter Meetings to IL FFA Center 

• April 24, 2024 - Spring Middle School Conference, Sauk Valley Community College, 173 IL-2, Dixon, IL 61021

• April 25, 2024 - Spring Middle School Conference, Rend Lake College, 468 North Ken Gray Pkwy, Ina, IL 62846

• April 25, 2024 - Marketing Plan Invitational CDE, Via Zoom, Hosted by Richland Community College

• April 27, 2024 - IL FFA State Officer Candidate Selection Committee, Springfield Tentative

• May 2024 - Tentative Illinois Envirothon, Allerton Park, 4-H Camp Ground, Monticello, IL

• May 1, 2024 - State Ag Business Management CDE, District Sites TBA

• May 2, 2024 - State Ag Mechanics CDE, Parliamentary Procedure, and Conduct of Chapter Meetings, Illinois Central College, East Peoria Campus, 1 College Dr, East Peoria, IL 61635

• May 10, 2024 - ICAE Meeting

• May 15, 2024 - Virtual IAVAT Board Meeting, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

• May 15, 2024 - District Job Interview, District Public Speaking & Greenhand Quizbowl Section Results DUE

• May 21, 2024 - Virtual FFA Board Meeting, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

• May 22, 2024 - FY25 Section Fair Contracts MANDATORY DUE

• May 24, 2024 - IL FFA Center Closing at 2:30 p.m. for Memorial Day Holiday

• May 27, 2024 - IL FFA Center Closed for Memorial Day Holiday

• May 28, 2024 - State Ag Issues CDE Mandatory Registration ENDS & Materials DUE

• May 28, 2024 - Job Interview & Public Speaking Materials DUE

• May 28-29, 2024 - State FFA Officer Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield

• May 29, 2024 - IL FFA Convention Business Session, Virtual

• June 7, 2024 - Ag Communications Mandatory Registration & Materials DUE to Lincoln Land Community College

• June 10, 2024 - Ag Communications & Ag Issues, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL 62703

• June 11-13, 2024 - State FFA Convention, BOS Center, Springfield, IL

• June 11, 2024 - Job Interview & Public Speaking LDEs at State FFA Convention

• June 12, 2024 - Greenhand Quizbowl, State FFA Convention

• June 13, 2024 - IL FFA Alumni & Supporters Raffle Drawing, 1:00 p.m.

• June 13-14, 2024 - State FFA Officer Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield

• TBA - IAVAT Board & Section Chairs Meeting, SIU-Carbondale

• TBA - IAVAT Conference, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

• June 2024 - Tentative IL FFA WLC Trip, Washington, D.C.

• July 2024 - Tentative IL FFA Leadership Camp, Allerton Park, 4-H Camp, Monticello

• July 3, 2024 - IL FFA Center Closing at 12:30 p.m. for Holiday

• July 4, 2024 - IL FFA Center Closed for 4th of July

• July 8-12, 2024 - State Officer Meeting