The club is pleased to offer three scholarship/assistance programs. The application timeframe is January 15 – March 15 for the College and Technical Scholarships, and January 15-June 15 for the Workforce Assistance. Applications will be available online during these timeframes.
College Scholarship
- Must be a resident of Illinois, or be a member or immediate family member of a Grass Roots Tractor Club member.
- Have a 2.5 GPA or better (4.0 scale)
- Plan or currently attend a two/four-year college/university
- Pursue a major in agriculture, food services or natural resources
- Be a current or former member of FFA or 4H
- Provide a letter of recommendation from a non-family member, employer or teacher
- Application period 1/15/24 – 3/15/24
College Scholarship Application Closed for 2024
Technical Scholarship
- Must be a resident of Illinois, or be a member or immediate family member of a Grass Roots Tractor Club member.
- Plan or currently attend a vocational or technical school
- Pursue an associate degree, certificate or diploma in a vocational, technical or skilled trade
- Provide a letter of recommendation from a non-family member, employer or teacher
- Application period 1/15/24 – 3/15/24
Technical Scholarship Application Closed for 2024
Workforce Assistance
- Must be a resident of Illinois, or be a member or immediate family member of a Grass Roots Tractor Club member.
- Preference will be given to high school seniors and young adults aged 18-24
- Currently employed or have a start date of employment
- Must have a letter from the current or future employer stating the job functions and requirements of the employee.
- Provide a letter of recommendation from a non-family member, employer or teacher.
- Application period 1/15/24 – 6/16/2024
Workforce Assistance Application
2024 Scholarship Recipients
James Adkins
— Franklin, il – franklin high school
James grew up on a multi-generational family farm and has a strong interest in farm equipment and trucks. He has participated in 4H for 9 years, serving as club Vice-President for 4 years, and FFA throughout high school. His primary 4H project has been swine, with many other award winning projects. He was selected for the state fair for his tractor safety presentation, earning the grand champion honor. He says participating in community service has taught him initiative and responsibility. After graduating in May, James will be attending commercial truck driving school at Lincoln Land Community College. In the fall of 2024, he will be attending Lincoln Land Community College in the Diesel Technologies program.
Grass Roots Technical Scholarship
Karlie Hoke
— Oakford, IL – Porta High School
Karlie grew up on a family farm which heavily influenced her choice of the agricultural field for her field of study. Spending time in the tractor with her father sparked her passion for agriculture. She has participated in FFA throughout her four high school, three of them serving as president. This helped her develop strong leadership skills while expanding her agricultural knowledge. Her community service has provided her with social awareness and responsibility. She is involved in Key Club, Student Council, Class Treasurer, National Honors Society, National English Honors society, volleyball, basketball (captain), and softball (captain). In the fall of 2024, Karlie will be attending Illinois State University majoring in Agribusiness with a minor in Agronomy.
Grass Roots College Scholarship
Bella McCutchan
— athens, IL – athens High School
Bella was drawn into the agricultural field riding and working with horses. She enjoys learning new things which sparks her ambition to make a career out of working with horses. Participating in FFA has also been a great influence to guide her toward the agricultural field. She has served in several officer positions, currently serving as chapter President. She is involved in the Leo Club, Poms team, dance and horseback riding. Bella says she benefitted from community service by giving her a real world view and reminds her how lucky she is to help people and make their day better. She has volunteered at the Animal Protective League and the Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery. Her career goal after graduating from college is centered around horses. Her interest lies in either training or in the equine reproductive field. In the fall of 2024, Bella will be attending Missouri State University with a major in equine science.
Grass Roots College Scholarship
Kylie Periman
— New Berlin, IL – lincoln land community college
Kylie has grown up surrounded by agriculture, and has a strong interest in animals and livestock. She has had animals since she was 4 years old and is an avid barrel racer. She participates in events throughout the Midwest and is a member of several regional and national barrel racing clubs. Kylie competed in track and field from 7th grade to freshman in college at Illinois College. She earned many state-level awards throughout this time in high jump and relay events. At Illinois College, she broke the high jump record multiple times and placed 11th at the NCAA D3 Indoor Championship. Kylie has volunteered for the club since it’s inception in 2021 and enjoys meeting the people and helping wherever she can. She is currently attending Lincoln Land Community College and will continue her studies in Agribusiness.
Grass Roots College Scholarship