DuPage County General Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Sponsored by DuPage County Farm Bureau

Overview / How to Apply
All scholarship applications are now handled through our online portal. During the application you will be asked to provide an email address for both a teacher and a school advisor so they can submit required recommendations and transcripts. Each person you list will receive an email from Reviewr with a link to complete their portion, so notify them in advance to expect that message. Your application progress is saved to your account so you can return and finish it later. If you need assistance at any point, call the DuPage County Farm Bureau at 630‑668‑8161 or email info@dcfb.org.

Required Documents / Recommendations
- You must list one teacher and one advisor email for the required recommendation requests. Recommenders will receive a Reviewr link to upload their submission.
- Official transcripts must be provided by the school registrar and may be submitted in one of two ways:
1. Sent directly from the school in a sealed envelope included with your application or mailed separately to the DuPage County Farm Bureau office.
2. Emailed by the school registrar to info@dcfb.org.
- If selected, scholarship recipients will be asked to provide additional materials (see “If You Are Awarded” section).

Scholarship Opportunities (amounts, eligibility, and deadlines)
- Arnold Oestmann Scholarship — $1,500
- Up to seven awards for high school seniors who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree. No restrictions on major. Established in memory of Arnold Oestmann of Westmont, IL, a former DuPage County Farm Bureau president.
- Deadline: April 1, 2026

- Culinary and Nutrition Scholarship — $2,000
- Up to two awards for high school seniors or college students (freshman, sophomore, or junior) enrolled in culinary- or nutrition-focused programs. Recognizes the farm-to-table connection and careers focused on food.
- Deadline: May 1, 2026

- General Scholarship Fund — $2,500
- Up to five awards for high school seniors pursuing a bachelor’s degree in an agriculture-related field. Eligible fields include (but are not limited to) horticulture, agronomy, engineering, veterinary science, communications, environmental science, food science, and biology. Applicants must describe how their chosen career will affect the agriculture industry.
- Deadline: May 1, 2026

- Ken F. Ebersold Scholarship — $3,000
- Up to three awards available to college students (freshman through senior) and students pursuing a master’s degree. Candidates must be actively enrolled in an agriculture-related degree program. Established in memory of Ken F. Ebersold of Downers Grove, IL, a past DuPage County Farm Bureau president and longtime volunteer. Previous recipients may reapply in subsequent years of their college career.
- Deadline: May 1, 2026

- Trade Scholarship — $2,000
- Up to two awards for high school seniors enrolled in trade and technical career programs. Eligible career areas include, but are not limited to, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and truck driving.
- Deadline: May 1, 2026

- John Buck Memorial Scholarships (offered by Kane County Farm Bureau) — $1,500 each
- Two awards for students from Kane, DeKalb, McHenry, Boone, DuPage, Lake, or Will counties who are pursuing a degree in an agricultural field. Preference will be given to applicants with career goals in agricultural mechanics and turf management.
- (No separate deadline listed here; follow application portal instructions.)

Application Tips
- Collect all required materials before beginning the application—this helps you complete it efficiently.
- Do not use unfamiliar acronyms (for example, write out Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps instead of JROTC).
- Choose recommenders who know you well: counselor/advisor, teacher, coach, club advisor, pastor, or employer are good options.
- Give your recommenders ample time to submit their letters before the deadline.
- Complete every section—partial or incomplete applications will not be considered.
- If the form does not provide enough space, you may upload attachments such as a resume, portfolio, list of accomplishments, or additional letters of recommendation.
- Presentation matters: type your responses if possible. If handwriting is necessary, use blue or black ink and print neatly.

What to Avoid
- Do not staple or fold your application.
- Avoid submitting applications with food or drink stains.
- Follow instructions carefully and meet deadlines—review the guidance before you begin.

Important Details You Must Know
- Applications must be postmarked by the stated deadline date. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
- Scholarship checks will be made payable directly to the recipient’s school.
- You will be notified by email, so provide an active, regularly-checked address.
- If a student who receives an award later withdraws or drops out, the Foundation will require repayment of the scholarship funds.
- If selected for an award we will request the following:
1. A recent photo (preferably your senior picture) for announcement purposes in the DuPage Farmer and recognition at the Annual Membership Appreciation Dinner.
2. A letter from the registrar at the college or university confirming that you are enrolled as a student for the Fall 2023 term. (Acceptance letters are not acceptable.)
3. A copy of your student ID or a class schedule displaying your Student ID number.
4. The correct mailing address for the institution to which scholarship funds should be sent.

Questions
If you have any questions about the application process or requirements, contact the DuPage County Farm Bureau at 630‑668‑8161 or email info@dcfb.org.