As a longtime supporter of Michigan State University and dairy education, the Michigan Milk Producers Association annually sponsors scholarships for its members, their children and employees enrolled in the Dairy Management program in the Institute of Agricultural Technology at MSU.

For the 2016-17 academic year, MMPA awarded 10 scholarships, totaling $23,250. The scholarship recipients were honored and introduced to MMPA members at the annual Leaders’ Conference in East Lansing.

The scholarship fund assists young students pursuing a career in the dairy industry. Scholarships are awarded based on academics, involvement in the dairy industry and letters of recommendation.

According to the 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.

“We invest in scholarship and leadership programs annually to ensure a bright future for the dairy industry,” says MMPA President Ken Nobis, dairy farmer from St. Johns. “We encourage young people to explore careers in this industry, and scholarships are a primary mechanism to inspire these students to seek careers in dairy.”

The following students received an MMPA scholarship:

Second-year scholarships
• Shelby Berens, Holland
• Rachel Ekkel, Fremont
• Evelyn Okkema, Blanchard

Second-year employee scholarships
• Zeke Breuninger, Dexter
• Seth Hulst, Coopersville
• Mason Smith, Homer

First-year scholarships
• Cameron Cook from Pewamo
• Morgan Luoma, East Leroy
• Casey Tebos, Falmouth

First-year employee scholarship
• Hope McAlvey, Carson City

Scholarship applications for the 2017-18 academic year are due Sept. 1. MMPA offers scholarships to members or children of members attending Purdue University. 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.

Source: MMPA