Applying to Central Illinois Farm Beginnings

We are currently accepting applications for the 2013-2014 CIFB course!    Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the class is full.  There is a non-refundable application fee of $100 and the final deadline to apply is Friday, August 30th.  Applications received by August 2nd will receive a $125 tuition discount.

Key Dates for 2013-2014:

August 2nd – Early application & Scholarship application deadline
August 30th – Final application deadline
October 5th – Business planning seminar 1
October 19th – Business planning seminar 2
November 2nd – Business planning seminar 3
November 16th – Business planning seminar 4
November 30th – Business planning seminar 5
December 14th – Business planning seminar 6
January 4th – Business planning seminar 7
January 18th – Business planning seminar 8
February 1st – Make up session (in event of weather-related cancellation)

If you are ready to apply, please follow the link below to access the online application.  As part of your application, you will need to attach a one-page personal statement describing what sustainability means to you, why you care about sustainability, and how you plan to incorporate sustainable practices on your current or future farm.  We recommend preparing this statement ahead of time, as there is no way to save a partially complete application.  Please save your personal statement as as Word or PDF document and use the filename CIFB_personal_statement_Lastname_Firstname.

All applicants must provide two references, one personal and one professional.  References may be submitted online via the link below.  Your application will not be considered complete until we have received both references.

Tuition for Central Illinois Farm Beginnings is $1250. Please note that up to two people from the same family or farm business may participate in the program for each accepted application without any increase in tuition. Partial scholarships may be available.  In order to be considered for a scholarship, please submit your application (including references) by the early application deadline of August 2nd and attach a statement of need in the provided section.  We recommend preparing your statement of need ahead of time as there is no way to save a partially complete application.  Please save your statement of need as a Word or PDF document and use the filename CIFB_statement_of_need_Lastname_Firstname.

Ready to apply? Click here to access the online application.

Ready to submit a reference for a CIFB applicant?  Please click here to access the online reference form.

If you have further questions, please contact us at info@thelandconnection.org or by phone  (217) 840-2128.