By Blake Jackson
The annual Student Leader Scholarship program, a collaborative effort between the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, the Dairy Excellence Foundation, and Tröegs Independent Brewing, is now accepting applications.
Twelve $3,000 scholarships are available for the 2025-26 academic year, aimed at undergraduate students and high school seniors pursuing dairy-related careers. Applications opened on March 1 and must be submitted online by May 1.
“With so many students who are passionate and invested in the future of the Pennsylvania dairy industry, we look forward to this scholarship program every year. The program allows us to support students’ educational interests, while making the financial aspect of pursuing higher education a bit more manageable for them,” said Michelle Shearer, Workforce Development Manager at the Center for Dairy Excellence. “If you know a student who is pursuing a future career in dairy, please encourage them to consider applying for the scholarship this spring.”
These scholarships provide recognition and financial assistance to students committed to the dairy industry.
Both current undergraduate students and high school seniors entering college in the fall are eligible, with one scholarship designated for an incoming freshman.
Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to a dairy-related career, with selection based on academic performance, leadership, character, and application compliance.
“Growing up in the dairy industry, I have always been amazed by the passion, care, and dedication of dairy farm families and others who work in the agriculture industry. I strive to model their precedent in my future. To me, receiving this scholarship means that those dairy farmers whom I looked up to when I was younger believe and support me in my future career,” said Sarah Diehl, a 2024 recipient attending Virginia Tech University.
Pennsylvania residents enrolled or planning to enroll in qualifying fields like dairy and animal science, agricultural marketing, nutrition, food science, or related fields are eligible.
Students can receive the scholarship twice during their undergraduate studies. Interns or employees of the Center for Dairy Excellence are not eligible.
“The dairy industry is the foundation and basis of my deep passion for cattle, the land, and the future. By receiving this scholarship, I am further assured that my future in this wonderful industry is going to be solid and steadfast as I continue my education. This has only expanded my ability to fulfill my personal expectations of making a true difference within the community,” said Jay Bratton, a 2024 recipient attending Penn State University.
For application details, visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/scholarships or contact Michelle Shearer at 570-768-8316 or mshearer@centerfordairyexcellence.org.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-poike
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education, Livestock, Dairy Cattle