BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Five individuals are getting the support they need to enroll in truck driver training classes thanks to the Driving Agriculture Forward Scholarship program, funded by Illinois Farm Bureau and administered by the IAA Foundation.
The charitable arm of Illinois Farm Bureau, the IAA Foundation is awarding $20,000 in scholarships this year to offset the cost of commercial truck driver training and ensure more well-trained, safe drivers are available.
The first round of recipients includes Jaron Black, La Salle County; Lance Klinedinst, McDonough County; Brian Leka, Sangamon County; Walker Menzel, Bureau County; and Sarah Over, La Salle County.
“It is a pleasure to invest in individuals who keep agriculture products moving and who represent the strength and diversity of our industry,” said Jennifer Smith, IAA Foundation development manager.
Scholarship applications are available year-round with consideration deadlines occurring quarterly. The next application deadline is June 30, which correlates to drivers who intend to enroll in a commercial driver training program at an Illinois community college between July 1 and Sept. 30.
Five $1,000 scholarships are awarded every three months and are based on the Illinois Farm Bureau region where the applicant resides.
All applicants must be Illinois residents and provide proof of enrollment during their corresponding award cycle. An endorsement from a farmer, County Farm Bureau leader, agribusiness, or food process business is required.
Eligibility guidelines and applications are available through the IAA Foundation website at www.iaafoundation.org.
For more information, contact your county Farm Bureau, the IAA Foundation at 309-557-2232, or email Smith at jsmith@ilfb.org.
The mission of the IAA Foundation is to fund education, research and charitable activities that benefit Illinois farm families and agriculture.