Friends of Danada (FOD) offers support to young adults through multiple scholarships. Currently, three $1,000 scholarships are available to students who graduate high school in 2026 and enter college, or to students currently attending community college and majoring in one of the following: plant sciences, animal sciences, agricultural business, or environmental sciences.
🌾 Dan & Ada Rice Agricultural Scholarship
This scholarship was established in late 2020. "We need to tell the story of agriculture that we are rightfully proud of." Brennan Costello, National FFA Central Region Vice President
This is an annual $1,000 scholarship that is awarded to a deserving student planning to graduate from high school in the spring of the current year and enter a college, or a student currently attending a community college, majoring in one of the following courses:
- Plant Sciences
- Animal Sciences
- Agricultural Business
- Environmental Sciences
Requirements:
- Acceptance at a 4-year college or university, or community college in the fall of 2026 or spring of 2027
- Or currently enrolled in a community college such as College of DuPage, Harper College, Kishwaukee College or Waubonsee Community College
- Preference will be given to students living in DuPage County or attending a school in DuPage County
- 3.0 Grade Point Average in High School or current community college classes
- Membership in High School FFA and/or completion of courses in agricultural education
- Completion of required application process
Completed application should include:
- Cover sheet (see attached)
- Acceptance letter from college or university you plan to attend if available
- Copy of high school or college transcript
- Resume, including school and community activities and/or internships/work-study programs
- List of awards received during high school years in academics, leadership, FFA, sports, etc.
- Essay: Why you have chosen to pursue a major in ________ Sciences (fill in with your selected major). Not less than 250 words, not more than 350 words
- 2 Letters of Recommendation, one by teacher or school administrator, one by personal reference
📚 Don Nash History Scholarship
As of 2021, FOD offered a second $1,000 annual scholarship. It is the Don Nash History Scholarship.
This will be awarded to a deserving student planning to graduate from high school in the spring of the current year and enter a college, or a student currently attending a community college, majoring in either:
- General History
- American History
- Public/Applied History
- Art History
Requirements:
- Acceptance at a 4-year college or university, or community college in the fall of 2026 or spring of 2027
- Or currently enrolled in a community college such as College of DuPage, Harper College, Kishwaukee College or Waubonsee Community College.
- Preference will be given to students living in DuPage County or attending a school in DuPage County
- 3.0 Grade Point Average in High School or current community college classes
- Completion of required application process
Completed application should include:
- Cover sheet (see attached)
- Acceptance letter from college or university you plan to attend if available
- Copy of high school or college transcript
- Resume, including school and community activities and/or internships/work-study programs
- List of awards received during high school years in academics, leadership, sports, etc.
- Essay: Why you have chosen to pursue a major in ________ History (fill in with your selected major). Not less than 250 words, not more than 350 words
- 2 Letters of Recommendation, one by teacher or school administrator, one by personal reference
💼 Jill Ludvigsen Hospitality Scholarship
As of 2024, FOD announced that they were adding a third $1,000 annual scholarship. This is now the Jill Ludvigsen Hospitality Scholarship. Jill was the Executive Director for over a decade but retired in 2024.
This scholarship is awarded to a deserving female student planning to graduate from high school in the spring of the current year and enter college, or a student currently attending a community college, majoring in:
- Hospitality Management
- Meeting & Events Management
Requirements:
- Acceptance at a 4-year college or university, or community college in the fall of 2026 or spring of 2027
- Or currently enrolled in a community college such as College of DuPage, Harper College, Kishwaukee College or Waubonsee Community College
- Preference will be given to students living in DuPage County or attending a school in DuPage County
- To support women in business, preference will be given to female students
- 3.0 Grade Point Average in High School or current community college classes
- Completion of required application process
Completed application should include:
- Cover sheet (see attached)
- Acceptance letter from college or university you plan to attend if available.
- Copy of high school or college transcript
- Resume, including school and community activities and/or internships/work-study programs
- List of awards received during high school years in academics, leadership, sports, etc.
- Essay: Why you have chosen to pursue a major in ________ (fill in with your selected major). Not less than 250 words, not more than 350 words
- 2 Letters of Recommendation, one by teacher or school administrator, one by personal reference
