The National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDPRB), through Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), annually awards up to 11 $2,500 scholarships to eligible undergraduate students (sophomore through senior) enrolled in college/university programs that emphasize dairy. Majors include: communications/public relations, journalism, marketing, business, economics, nutrition, food science, and Ag education. In addition, the NDPRB awards a $3,500 James H. Loper Jr. Memorial Scholarship to the outstanding scholarship recipient.
Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, an interest in a career in a dairy-related discipline, and demonstrated leadership, initiative and integrity. Candidates are expected to complete an application form, submit an official transcript of all college courses, and write a short statement describing their career aspirations, dairy-related activities and work experiences. The application information is evaluated by a NDPRB Scholarship Committee composed of an external review panel and at least two Board members. The recommendations of the Scholarship Committee are summarized by NDPRB staff and the scholarships are then awarded.
Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of the following criteria:
1. Academic performance.
2. Courses related to dairy.*
3. Apparent commitment to a career in dairy.
4. Involvement in extra-curricular activities, especially those relating to dairy.
5. Evidence of leadership ability, initiative, character and integrity.
Students may be awarded scholarships in multiple years. Scholarship winners must be enrolled during the entire academic year for which the scholarship is awarded.
Completed applications should be submitted to the NDPRB c/o Nate Janssen, Dairy Management Inc., 10255 W. Higgins Road, Suite 900, Rosemont, IL 60018-5616, they are to be postmarked by Friday, April 21, 2017. Questions regarding this application or regarding the NDPRB scholarship program can be directed to Nate Janssen at 847/627-3335, or by sending an email to nate.janssen@dairy.org.
Announcement of winners will be made to both awardee and university department chairperson later this fall. Scholarship winners will receive a plaque and a check for the award amount. The stipend will be forwarded to the department head/chairperson for issuance to awardees upon their enrollment for the fall 2017-2018 term.