Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association Offers Student Scholarships

The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) is offering $29,000 in scholarships to students interested in careers in the dairy industry.

Three scholarships are available: the WCMA Myron P. "Mike" Dean Cheese Industry Student Scholarship; WCMA Cheese Industry Supplier Student Scholarship; and Brian Eggebrecht Scholarship Supporting Skilled Trades in the Dairy Industry.

Applicants for WCMA scholarships must supply school transcripts, a letter of recommendation and a completed application form by Feb. 20. Successful applicants will be announced in March, with awards presented on April 15 at CheeseExpo in Milwaukee, Wis.

WCMA Myron P. "Mike" Dean Cheese Industry Student Scholarship.

Two students will be awarded the WCMA Myron P. “Mike” Dean Cheese Industry Student Scholarship, worth $5,000 each. Any employee or child of an employee at a WCMA dairy manufacturing, processing or marketing member company or cooperative may apply. Applicants must be students attending a college, university or technical school in the United States, or high school seniors registered to attend a qualifying school next fall. Preference for these scholarship awards will be given to candidates pursuing degrees and careers connected to the dairy industry.

Download the application here.

WCMA Cheese Industry Supplier Student Scholarship.

Employees or children of employees at WCMA supplier member businesses may apply for the WCMA Cheese Industry Supplier Student Scholarship.Three students will receive scholarship awards of $5,000 each. Applicants must be students attending a college, university or technical school in the U.S., or high school seniors registered to attend a qualifying school next fall. Preference for these scholarship awards will be given to candidates pursuing degrees and careers connected to the dairy industry.

Download the application here.

Brian Eggebrecht Scholarship Supporting Skilled Trades in the Dairy Industry.

WCMA will select two students to receive the Brian Eggebrecht Student Scholarship Supporting Skilled Trades in the Dairy Industry, worth $2,000 each. This award, named in honor of long-time Championship Cheese Contest chairman and donor Brian Eggebrecht, who passed away in 2022, is open to students attending any technical school in Wisconsin, or high school students registered to attend a Wisconsin technical school.

Priority consideration for the Eggebrecht Scholarship will be given to applicants pursuing technical certificates, technical diplomas or associate degrees that may lead to a career in the dairy industry. Unlike other WCMA scholarships, applicants for this award are not required to be connected to a WCMA member company or cooperative.

Download the application here.

Apply by Feb. 20.

Completed applications and questions can be directed to WCMA Programs and Policy Manager Amelia Neas.