Wisconsin Cheesemakers Association Invests 29K in the Future of Dairy with Scholarships

Wisconsin Cheesemakers Association Invests 29K in the Future of Dairy with Scholarships

In Wisconsin, cheese is more than a staple. It is a craft, a livelihood, and a point of pride you can taste in every wedge and wheel. This year, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association is doubling down on that heritage by investing $29,000 in student scholarships aimed at shaping the future of the dairy world.

Applications are open now at WisCheeseMakers.org/Scholarships, with a deadline of February 20, 2026. The opportunity reaches college and technical school students across the United States, as well as high school seniors ready to take that path next fall. While anyone in those groups can apply, students focused on dairy related careers have an edge.

At the top of the list are two Myron P. “Mike” Dean Cheese Industry Student Scholarships, worth $5,000 each. They are reserved for employees and children of employees at WCMA dairy manufacturing, processing, or marketing member companies. Last year, the honors went to Derrick Koehn of Foremost Farms USA and Cara McWilliams of Glanbia Nutritionals and Southwest Cheese.

Students with ties to WCMA supplier member companies have a shot at the Cheese Industry Supplier Student Scholarship. Three awards, each for $5,000, will be granted. In 2025, recipients included Macy Cook of Caloris Engineering, Natalie Curtis of Hydrite Chemical, and Riese Thornberry of BIOIONIX.

For students heading into skilled trades, the Brian Eggebrecht Student Scholarship Supporting Skilled Trades in the Dairy Industry offers two awards of $2,000. It honors Brian Eggebrecht, a longtime Championship Cheese Contest Chairman and generous industry supporter who passed away in 2022. This scholarship is open to students attending any technical school in Wisconsin, as well as high school students preparing to enroll in one. Priority goes to applicants seeking certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees that can lead to hands on dairy careers. Unlike the other scholarships, no WCMA member connection is required. Last year’s winners were Wesley Nelson and Neil Venhuizen.

All applicants must submit transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and a completed form. Materials are available online or by contacting WCMA Programs and Policy Manager Amelia Neas at (608) 419-7913 or aneas@wischeesemakers.org.

Winners will be announced in March 2026, with awards presented on April 15 at CheeseExpo in Milwaukee. For students craving a future in dairy, this is a chance to take a confident first step into an industry that feeds the country and celebrates craftsmanship in every bite.

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