The Wisconsin Pork Association is offering scholarships to high school seniors and college students. Students with a sincere interest in the swine industry are encouraged to apply. 

APPLY NOW: The deadline to apply for Wisconsin Pork Association scholarships is Dec. 1.

• Wisconsin Pork Association Scholarship. The Wisconsin Pork Association Scholarship is open to high school seniors pursuing post high school education in agriculture. Preference will be given to those students possessing leadership abilities and a sincere interest in the swine industry. Five finalists will be selected from the applications received to compete for the $500 scholarship, with each finalist receiving $250 for his or her participation. An interviewing committee will select the finalists. The application for this scholarship is posted at wppa.org/scholarships.

• Whitmore Memorial Scholarship. The Whitmore Memorial Scholarship was established as a legacy to the late Rex Whitmore, a master statesman and communicator who served as the first executive director of the Wisconsin Pork Producers Association. 

Applicants must be a registered junior or senior at one of the following University of Wisconsin campuses: Madison, Platteville or River Falls. One finalist will be selected from each campus to compete for the $500 scholarship. Each finalist will receive $250 for his or her participation.

The criteria considerations include grade point average (applicant should be in top one-third of class), extracurricular activities and leadership positions, career interest and orientation, and financial need. The application for this scholarship is available from each respective campus’ contact person listed on the WPA website.

• Gunderson Memorial Scholarship. The Wisconsin Pork Association, in cooperation with the family of Buell Gunderson, has established a scholarship program to recognize the many contributions that Gunderson made to the Wisconsin pork industry. Gunderson, together with his wife, Bernice, served as secretary/treasurer of the WPA for 20-plus years and assisted in growing the organization from its initial roots to the successful organization it is today — sponsoring scholarships, developing youth programs and helping support the pork producers of the state. 

The WPA will accept recommendations or applications from county pork producer organizations, industry members, pork producers, and colleges or technical schools for recipients of the Gunderson Memorial Scholarship on an annual basis. Individuals who have shown considerable dedication and involvement in the pork industry will be considered for the $500 scholarship. 

Individuals wishing to receive a copy of the scholarship applications can contact the WPA at 608-723-7551 or [email protected]. Applications can also be downloaded at wppa.org/scholarships. The application deadline is Dec. 1.   

The Wisconsin Pork Association’s mission is to ensure the future success of the Wisconsin pork industry. WPA represents the interests of pork industry members with a strong emphasis on social issues, public and government policies, environment, animal welfare and safety.

Source: Wisconsin Pork Association