By Blake Jackson
Sixteen college students with strong connections to Pennsylvania’s dairy industry have been selected for the 2026-27 Student Leader Scholarships.
The program, supported by the Dairy Excellence Foundation of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, provides each recipient with $3,000 toward undergraduate education in fields that support dairy farming.
The scholarship recognizes students preparing for careers across areas such as animal science, dairy genetics, agribusiness, nutrition, food science, agricultural education, communications, engineering, and related disciplines.
“These 16 scholarship recipients are highly deserving for this competitive scholarship. They each have a strong foundation in the dairy industry and a commitment to expanding on that to find future careers that help advance Pennsylvania dairy,” said Michelle Shearer, Workforce Development Manager at the Dairy Excellence Foundation.
“From interests in animal science and dairy genetics to agriculture education and nutrition, we’re continually inspired by the passion the next generation has for their education and the future of dairy farming.”
Recipients must be enrolled in a dairy-related undergraduate program and demonstrate plans to pursue a career connected to the industry. One scholarship is reserved for an incoming freshman.
“We continue to support this scholarship program each year because we are committed to helping college students who are passionate about the dairy industry have the financial support they need to find meaningful careers,” said David Smith, Executive Director at the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association.
“It’s important to keep the Pennsylvania dairy industry vibrant and growing, and investing in our next generation and these 16 dairy leaders is a great way to do that.”
2026-27 Student Leader Scholarship recipients include:
- Jillian Anderson – Agricultural and extension education, Penn State
- Nicole Arrowsmith – Agribusiness management, Penn State
- Kelly Bliss – Biological engineering, Cornell University
- Chloe Bomgardner – Agribusiness/pre-law and animal science, Oklahoma State University
- Abigale Bricker – Agricultural and extension education, Penn State
- Sophie Griswold – Animal science, Cornell University
- Katelyn Heckman – Animal science, Penn State
- Carter Hissong – Agricultural science, Penn State
- Sara Kennedy – Animal science and nutritional sciences, Penn State
- Hannah King – Animal science, Penn State
- Anna Longenecker – Agribusiness management, Penn State
- Makenna Mase – Animal science and agribusiness, Penn State
- Haylee Mullen – Animal science, Penn State
- Joleigh Nailor – Animal science, Penn State
- Breann Poole – Animal science and agribusiness, Northwest Missouri State University
- Charlotte Wallace – Dairy science and agricultural education, Delaware Valley University
The scholarship program aims to strengthen Pennsylvania’s dairy workforce by helping students turn hands-on agricultural experience and academic training into long-term careers. Applications for the next scholarship cycle are expected to open May 1, 2027.
Photo Credit: center-for-dairy-excellence
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education