Illinois Association FFA

Illinois Association FFA supports FFA members in Illinois through scholarship programs tied closely to agricultural study and preparation for agricultural careers. Its work, as evidenced by named awards such as the Charles "Chief" Ferguson Scholarship and the Eldon Witt Student Teaching Scholarship, centers on helping Illinois students move from high school into college and continue their education in agriculture and agricultural education.

The organization serves a defined audience: FFA members in Illinois who are graduating high school seniors and college students, including students enrolled at 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities. Its scholarship activity reaches both students studying in Illinois and students attending college in any state, while maintaining a clear Illinois focus. The Charles "Chief" Ferguson Scholarship opens on 3/1/2026 and closes on 5/1/2026, offers up to $1,000, and supports members interested in studying an agricultural field at the bachelor’s degree level. That program also shows the association’s use of targeted priorities within a statewide framework, giving first consideration to graduates of Pittsfield High School majoring in agricultural education and second preference to students from Pike County majoring in any specialization of agriculture.