Investing in the Next Generation of Agricultural Leaders—2026 Scholarship Application Now Open

Innovative Ag Services (IAS) is excited to announce the availability of multiple scholarships for the 2026 academic year, designed to support students pursuing careers in agriculture. In addition to our regular IAS Scholarships, we are honored to offer the prestigious Jack Friedman and Rick Vaughan Scholarships, named in recognition of our former CEOs, who made a lasting impact on the agricultural industry and our cooperative.

Scholarship Overview:

• IAS Scholarships: Open to high school seniors and first-year college students pursuing agriculture careers at Iowa or Wisconsin community colleges or universities.

 

• IAS Dependent Scholarship: This scholarship is available exclusively to high school seniors and first-year college students of current IAS employees, providing financial assistance to help advance their education in agriculture.

 

• Jack Friedman Scholarship & Rick Vaughan Scholarships: These two scholarships will be awarded to outstanding students who exhibit exceptional leadership and a commitment to making a positive difference in the agriculture industry. Students who apply for IAS Scholarships will be automatically considered for this opportunity. IAS’ retired CEOs, Jack Friedman and Rick Vaughan, sponsor these scholarships.

 
Scholarship Details:

• Award Amount: Each scholarship provides $1,000 for the recipient for college education.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Applicants must be high school seniors or first-year college students majoring in an agriculture-related field.
  • Applicants must attend an accredited college or university and enroll as full-time students.
  • While applicants with a parent or guardian who is an Innovative Ag Services member may receive additional consideration during the review process, membership is not required, and all eligible students are encouraged to apply.

 
Application Process:

• Deadline: Applications must be received by March 1, 2026.
• How to Apply: For more information and to access the application form, click here.

Contact Information: For questions regarding the scholarship program, please call (319) 465-2022 ext. 1069 or email hr.dept@ias.coop.

“At Innovative Ag Services, we are committed to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders,” said Ken Smith, CEO of IAS. “These scholarships are a small way for us to give back to the community and invest in the future of agriculture.”

IAS encourages all eligible students to apply for these opportunities and take the next step toward shaping the future of the agricultural industry.