WCMA to Award $15,000 in Student Scholarships in 2019 Supporting Cheesemaking's Next Generation

MADISON, WI – The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) is now accepting applications for five student scholarships worth a total of $15,000.  Students interested in being considered for an award have until February 20 to submit an application.

 “The dairy processing field offers tremendous opportunity for young people who are eager to learn, ready to work, and open to innovation,” said John Umhoefer, WCMA Executive Director.  “WCMA members are pleased and proud to support the industry’s next generation of leaders through our scholarship programs.”

In 2019, the WCMA Myron P. “Mike” Dean Cheese Industry Student Scholarship will be awarded to two students, worth $3,000 each.  Any employee or child of an employee of a WCMA dairy manufacturing, processing, or marketing member company may apply.  Employees or children of employees at WCMA supplier member companies may apply for the WCMA Cheese Industry Supplier Student Scholarship.  Three students will receive scholarship awards of $3,000 each.

 Preference for both scholarship awards will be given to candidates pursuing degrees and careers connected to the dairy industry.  Well-qualified candidates will be currently attending a college, university, or technical school in the United States, or registered to attend a qualifying school.

 Applicants must supply transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and a completed application form by February 20, 2019.  Forms may be found at www.WisCheeseMakers.org, or can be directly requested from WCMA Office & Member Service Coordinator Sara Schmidt at 608-286-1001 or via email at sschmidt@wischeesemakers.org

 Successful applicants will be announced in March 2019, with awards made at the 2019 Cheese Industry Conference on April 17 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin.