As a long-time supporter of dairy education, the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) annually sponsors scholarshipsfor members, their children and employees enrolled at Michigan State University and Purdue University.
For the 2017-2018 academic year, MMPA awarded nine scholarships, totaling over $21,000. The scholarship recipients were honored and introduced to MMPA members at the annual Leaders' Conference on Nov. 20 in East Lansing, Michigan. The scholarship fund aims to assist young students pursuing a career in the dairy industry. Scholarships are awarded based on academics, involvement in the dairy industry and letters of recommendation.
"Encouraging young people to pursue careers in agriculture, specifically the dairy industry, is important to MMPA. We feel it is vital to invest every year to ensure a bright future for the dairy industry," says Ken Nobis, MMPA president and dairy farmer from St. Johns, Michigan. "These scholarships help students find careers within the dairy sector and inspire them to strengthen this industry."
The MSU scholarships available are for students enrolled in the Dairy Management Program. According to the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology, the program delivers innovative, educational programs that develop career-ready graduates through intensive, practical learning and skill enhancement. Students in the dairy management program, advised by Dr. Joe Domecq, undergo a two-year, hands-on training program for careers in the dairy industry. A key component of the program is the completion of an internship at a dairy farm different than the student's home farm.
In addition to the MSU Scholarships, MMPA also awards one scholarship to a member or a child of a member who is a student at Purdue University College of Agriculture. Scholarship applications for the 2018-2019 academic year are due Sept. 1. for the MSU scholarships. Purdue scholarship applications are due Feb. 1 for current students. In continuation of MMPA’s efforts to support youth development and education, MMPA is a supporter of the Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership program and the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation.
MSU Second-Year Scholarships
- Cameron Cook, Pewamo, Michigan
- Morgan Luoma, East Leroy, Michigan
- Casey Tebos, Falmouth, Michigan
MSU Second-Year Employee Scholarship
- Hope McAlvey, Carson City, Michigan
MSU First-Year Scholarships
- Jacob Arens, Westphalia, Michigan
- Gerrit Baker, Bryon Center, Michigan
- Adam Wiles, Middleton, Michigan
MSU First Year Employee Scholarship
- Nolan Wieber, Fowler, Michigan
Purdue University Scholarship
- Jason Perkins, LaGrange, Indiana
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The Michigan Milk Producers Association-established in 1916-is a member-owned and operated milk marketing cooperative and dairy processor serving approximately 1,700 dairy farmers throughout Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana. In addition to a cheese plant in Indiana, MMPA operates two SQF Level 3 dairy ingredient plants in Michigan, producing butter, nonfat dry milk powder, condensed skim milk, cream and whole milk powder.
Source: The Michigan Milk Producers Association
