Western Illinois University student from Payson named as recipient of GAST scholarship

PAYSON, Ill. — Western Illinois University’s School of Agriculture has announced the recipients of this year’s GAST (Growing Agri-Science Teachers) scholarships. Madilynn Barry of Payson was one of eight students selected.

Thanks to funding from the Illinois State Board of Education, the program will award $5,000 worth of scholarships to incoming agricultural education majors for the 2024 academic year.

Andy Baker, WIU Ag director, writes an annual grant for GAST funding, which supports new students who are pursuing a major in agricultural education. Applicants are required to submit an essay illustrating their financial need. The applications are then reviewed and ranked by Illinois agriculture educators, with awards based on financial need.

Recipients of the GAST scholarship must have declared agricultural education as their major and be enrolled for their first semester at WIU in fall 2024. Both transfer students and freshmen are eligible for consideration.

For more information on the GAST scholarship program or to learn more about the School of Agriculture at WIU, visit wiu.edu/Ag.