Starting Dec. 15, graduating high school seniors in Compeer Financial’s 144-county territory across Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin can apply for $2,000 scholarships aimed at supporting future agricultural leaders. The competitive program will award 35 scholarships per state, with applications accepted online through Feb. 15, 2026. Winners will be notified six weeks after the deadline.
Eligible students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, reside within Compeer’s service area, and either pursue an agricultural major, express interest in agriculture-related fields, or have an agricultural or rural background. Applicants must submit a current transcript and respond to one of two essay prompts focusing on the importance of agriculture or challenges facing rural America.
Karen Schieler, manager of Compeer Giving, emphasized the program’s commitment to both rural and urban students, designating one scholarship per state for students from metropolitan areas including Cook County, IL; Hennepin and Ramsey counties, MN; and Milwaukee County, WI.
Since 2018, Compeer’s Fund for Rural America has awarded nearly $1.5 million in scholarships to almost 1,000 students, helping cover tuition costs at community colleges, universities, and technical schools.
