Giannoulias Offers Agriculture Scholarships
High school seniors can apply until May 14

February 10, 2009

State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias wants Illinois high school seniors who plan to study agriculturerelated
majors in college to apply for his Excellence in Agriculture Scholarships.

Giannoulias will award ten $2,500 scholarships to deserving students who plan on attending an
Illinois-based college or university in the fall.

“This scholarship program brings out the best and the brightest for the future of agriculture in
Illinois,” Giannoulias said. “The Treasurer’s Office is always thrilled to award these scholarships to
help students achieve their goals and promote Illinois’ agricultural industry, especially in these
tough economic times.”

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 2008-09 school year, be accepted at an
accredited higher education institution in Illinois by May 15, 2009, and plan to pursue a career in
agriculture or an agriculture-related field.

Students must also submit a completed application, which is available on Treasurer’s website –
www.treasurer.il.gov – or call 217-557-6436. Applications must be postmarked on or before May
14, 2009.

Kaitlin Weitekamp of Raymond won one of the scholarships last year that enabled her to pursue
her agriculture business degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

“I am the youngest of seven, and my family is not made of money,” Weitekamp said. “Sometimes it
is difficult to get financial assistance for college, so offering something to those who have applied
themselves to promoting agriculture is wonderful.”

Applicants must include the following information with their application:

• 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

A scholarship selection committee will select the winners. The Treasurer’s Office will announce the
winners by June 1, 2009.

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.