Illinois 4-H members pursuing advanced education will benefit from a donation to the Illinois 4-H Foundation. Archer Daniels Midland Company recently donated $25,000 to the Illinois 4-H Foundation to support the Superior Young Producer Award college scholarship program.
Each year, 25 $1,000 college scholarships are awarded to 4-H and FFA members who excel in their knowledge of the beef, sheep, swine, dairy and equine industry. A contest, held at the Illinois State Fair annually, tests youth on their project knowledge through such competitive events as judging contests, skill stations, management tests, meat identification tests, and quality assurance testing. The top five contestants in each species receive a $1,000 college scholarship.
"The Illinois 4-H Foundation is proud to steward this donation for 4-H youth in Illinois," said Angie Barnard, executive director of the Illinois 4-H Foundation. "This donation will help ensure the continuation of the Superior Young Producer Scholarship program."
Since 1954, the Illinois 4-H Foundation has raised funds from individuals, corporations and organizations to supplement state and county 4-H programs.
The donation was given through ADM Cares. ADM Cares is a social investment program that directs funds to initiatives and organizations that drive meaningful social, economic and environmental progress worldwide. The program comprises three distinct focus areas: supporting the responsible development of agriculture, improving the quality of life in ADM communities and fostering employee giving and volunteer activities.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Judy Mae Bingman, University of Illinois Extension Marketing and Communications Manager
Judy uses powerful words and photography to tell the Extension story. She is a skilled communication strategist and storyteller with demonstrated success in building teams and creating strong organizational brand identities that deepen Extension’s impact among key audiences, build brand loyalty, strengthen employee talent, and expand public engagement. She is a frequent conference presenter at the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents Conference and helps Extension staff across the nation tell compelling stories.