Superior Young Producer Scholarship 2026

The program is sponsored by the Illinois State Fair. Three $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year in dairy; and nine scholarships are distributed among beef, sheep and swine project members. Contests are held during the Illinois State Fair. Members must compete in 3 to 4 individual segments that include: management test, skill-a-thon, judging contest, and/or meat identification or testing. Contestants must be 14 - 18 years of age to compete.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Interview Process
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineJune 1, 2026
• Value$1,000
• Study LevelMasters
• SponsorUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• City to studyIllinois
• School to studyUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Benefits

Three $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year in dairy.

Selection Process

• The SYPA contest is open to any youth 14 years of age or older (on Jan. 1) who are current Illinois 4-H members who are enrolled in that project.
• Participants do not have to be exhibiting animals at the Illinois State Fair in order to participate in the SYPA contest.
• Entries are requested prior to the State Fair Junior Shows and available at the Illinois State Fair website.
• A participant may receive only one scholarship throughout their career. Further, after receiving a scholarship in any of the specie award areas, the eligible 4-H member may participate in other specie award programs in following years but will be eligible to receive phase awards only.
• In order to receive a scholarship, the 4-H post-secondary trade school, or advanced educational program.
• Scholarship monies are paid directly by the Illinois 4-H Foundation to the institution where the student is enrolled. 

Check also:
Fairleigh Dickinson Scholarships for International Students 2026

Application Deadline

How To Apply

For more details, visit UIUC Scholarship Webpage