Wisconsin Corn Foundation Scholarship Program
The Wisconsin Corn Foundation is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to support students pursuing their future in agriculture and related fields. These scholarships reflect the Foundation’s commitment to developing future agricultural leaders who will strengthen Wisconsin’s farming communities, support rural economies, and advance the state’s grain industry.
Established in honor of Bob Oleson’s many years of leadership and service to Wisconsin corn growers, the Bob Oleson Award will be presented to the most outstanding applicant within the Wisconsin Corn Foundation Scholarship program. Bob believed strongly in developing future leaders in agriculture, and this recognition honors students who exemplify that same passion, leadership, and commitment.
Scholarship Award
The Wisconsin Corn Foundation may award one or more scholarships to deserving Wisconsin
students. Award amounts and the number of recipients may vary based on applicant pool and
available funding.
Eligible applicants include:
- Graduating high school seniors planning to enroll in post-secondary education
- Current students enrolled in a university, college, or technical school program
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Interest in agriculture (broadly defined)
- Leadership experience or community involvement
- A connection to, or future goals in, Wisconsin’s grain or corn industry
(Farm background not required.)
Consolidated Scholarship Application
For 2026, the Wisconsin Corn Foundation is participating in the NCGA State Corn Association Scholarship Consolidated Application.
This system allows students to:
- Apply for Wisconsin Corn Foundation scholarships, and
- Access NCGA National Scholarship Programs
—all through one online application.
Participating states include Wisconsin, along with additional NCGA member state associations
across the country. This streamlined process allows students to complete one application while
being considered for multiple scholarship opportunities.
Wisconsin Scholarship Application Requirements
Students applying for Wisconsin Corn Foundation scholarships must submit:
• One letter of recommendation
• Resume
• Academic transcript
• Responses to required short-answer questions
There are no paper applications.
All materials must be uploaded through the online application portal.
Wisconsin Deadline: Friday, December 4, 2026
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM CST.
NCGA National Scholarship Opportunities
Students may also choose to be considered for additional NCGA National Scholarships through the same application.
NCGA offers three scholarship pathways:
| Program | Audience | Award |
| Technical School / Community College | Students pursuing degrees at technical or two-year colleges | 5 scholarships @ $1,000 each |
| William C. Berg Academic Excellence Scholarship (in partnership with BASF) | Undergraduate students pursuing any field of study | 5 scholarships @ $1,500 each |
| Graduate Student Scholarship | Graduate students conducting corn-related research | 2 scholarships @ $2,500 each |
NCGA Membership Requirement:
- Students applying only for the Wisconsin Corn Foundation Scholarship do not need to be NCGA members.
- Students applying for NCGA National Scholarships must be, or have a parent/guardian who is, an NCGA member in good standing.
NCGA National Deadline: January 31, 2027
Learn more about national scholarship programs at:
https://ncga.com/stay-informed/scholarships/profile/state-corn-association-scholarships
About the Wisconsin Corn Foundation
Established in 2019, the Wisconsin Corn Foundation supports educational and leadership initiatives that strengthen the future of Wisconsin’s corn industry. The Foundation invests in the next generation of farmers, agribusiness professionals, researchers, and advocates who will continue to shape Wisconsin agriculture for years to come.
Ready to Apply?
Begin your Consolidated Scholarship Application here:
→ https://ncga.formstack.com/forms/ncgascholarship2026
PRESIDENT
MARK HOFFMANN
DIRECTORS
DAVE ADAMS
SHANE GOPLIN
RANDY HUGHES
BEN HUBER
LOREN JESCH
TYLER TRIOLIA