Nine students at Michigan State University were awarded scholarships, thanks to the Michigan Milk Producers Association. As a longtime supporter of dairy education, the MMPA annually sponsors scholarships for members, their children and employees enrolled at MSU.

For the 2019-20 academic year, MMPA awarded nine scholarships, totaling more than $20,000. The scholarship recipients were honored and introduced to MMPA members at the annual Leaders' Conference on Nov. 22 in East Lansing, Mich.

"The legacy of our cooperative is made stronger by supporting the education of future dairy industry leaders," says Joe Diglio, MMPA president and CEO. "These scholarships encourage the next generation to develop new skills and pursue careers in the dairy industry."

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.

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.

Scholarship applications for the 2020-21 academic year are due Sept. 1, 2020. 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.

This year's scholarship recipients are Wyatt Lamb of Jeddo, Calvin Minnis of Dansville, Shania Drake of Pigeon, Adam Jones of Mason, Olivia Walker of Lapeer, Kassidy Thelen of Westphalia, Jack Baker of Byron Center, Ian Black of Eagle, and Mikayla Bowen of Hudson.

MMPA is a dairy farmer-owned cooperative founded in 1916. MMPA serves about 1,300 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin, handling about 5 billion pounds of milk annually.

Source: MMPA, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.