Giannoulias doubles agriculture scholarships in 2008
High school seniors can apply until May 15

February 25, 2008

Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias has doubled the number of scholarships his office will
award this year to high school seniors who plan to study agriculture in college.

Giannoulias will award ten $2,500 scholarships through the Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship
Program, which is administered by his office.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer twice as many scholarships to students that will be future
farmers or involved in one of the top industries in our state,” Giannoulias said. “Farming plays a
vital role in our state’s economy and it’s critical that we encourage Illinois students to pursue
careers in farming.”

High school seniors, who are Illinois residents, can apply for these scholarships. Eligible students
must: have a minimum 2.75 grade point average during the 2007-08 school year; have already
been accepted to an accredited higher education institution in Illinois by May 15, 2008; and plan to
pursue an agriculture-related major.

Students must also submit a completed application, which will be available at schools, farm
bureaus or the offices of local state legislators. You can also find an application on the Treasurer’s
website – www.treasurer.il.gov or call 217-557-6436.Applications must be postmarked on or before May 15, 2008.

Applicants must be sure to include the following information:

• A typed essay (minimum 250 words) identifying the reason(s) you want to pursue a career
in agriculture or an agriculture-related field
• An official high school transcript
• Two letters of reference, including one from a non-school source
• A list of extracurricular activities
• A statement of goals and future plans

An Ag Scholarship Selection Committee will select the winners. The Treasurer’s Office will
announce the winners by May 30, 2008.

These scholarships are funded through the Bright Start College Savings Program, which is run by
the Treasurer’s Office. Bright Start is Illinois’ 529 college savings plan and an easy, tax-free way to
invest for college.

  
     
 
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