Higher education can put financial strain on most families. With the ever-present challenges unique to dairy farmers, the expense of a college education can be more than tough for potential students and their families.
For the past 12 years, Dairy MAX has been committed to helping dairy families with these costs by offering two scholarships toward continued education for students active in the dairy industry.
“I knew the only way I was going to college was if I found a way to pay for it,” says Lisa Lageschaar, 2012 scholarship recipient and 2017 Miss Rodeo America. “Dairy MAX not only helped with the immediate financial stress, but their scholarship helped set up my future in Agriculture Education.”
Each year, Dairy MAX offers two $2,500 academic scholarships to students entering or currently pursuing college degrees. New this year, scholarships are open to applicants in any program at a four-year institution. In previous years, the scholarship was limited to students pursuing agriculture-focused degrees.
Dairy MAX’s commitment to giving back to dairy farm families sets this scholarship apart. Not only is this scholarship a way to help students committed to the future of agriculture, but it also strengthens relationships with future industry leaders.
“Whenever you apply for this organization’s scholarship, it’s not just them awarding you money and done,” says Ryan Best, 2009 scholarship recipient and agricultural science teacher in Stephenville. “You truly become part of the Dairy MAX family. Your network and relationships with everyone at Dairy MAX is something that can affect your future and career path.”
Serving as National FFA president in 2012 and returning to Stephenville to teach ag science is the network Best refers to. Best believes the relationships formed help strengthen the next generation’s ties to the dairy industry and agriculture, and he’s not alone.
For Lageschaar, the scholarship didn’t just help her obtain one degree, but helped her apply for other scholarships related to agriculture. The generosity she received encouraged her to give back and help make sure more students can focus on obtaining their degree without financial burden.
Scholarships are awarded based on scholastic achievement, leadership and involvement in the agricultural industry. Beyond their professional careers, previous recipients have a long history of making their voices heard and putting issues directly impacting farm families in the spotlight.
Dairy MAX is committed to recognizing and working with the next generation of agriculture and dairy industry leaders. The annual scholarships are one way to give back and identify future leaders.
To apply, applicants must meet eligibility requirements which include being a child of a dairy producer, child of a dairy farm employee, or FFA or 4-H dairy show participant in their junior or senior year of high school. The application is fully online, and can be saved during progress, but must be completed and submitted online by March 31, 2018. Scholarship winners will be notified in May.
To learn more and apply go to https://dairymaxinc.submittable.com/submit and click on the 2018 Dairy MAX, Inc. Scholarship Application.
