The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA), Madison, Wis., said it is now accepting applications for five student scholarships worth a total of $15,000.

“WCMA recognizes education is a key factor in the strengthening and growth of the dairy industry,” WCMA Executive Director John Umhoefer said. “Our organization is happy to invest in the next generation of dairy leaders through our scholarship programs.”

In 2021, two students will be awarded the WCMA Myron P. “Mike” Dean Cheese Industry Student Scholarship, worth $3,000 each. Any employee or child of an employee of a WCMA dairy manufacturing, processing or marketing member company may apply, the association said.

Employees or children of employees at WCMA supplier member companies may apply for the WCMA Cheese Industry Supplier Student Scholarship. Three students will receive scholarship awards of $3,000 each, WCMA said.

Preference for both scholarship awards will be given to candidates pursuing degrees and careers connected to the dairy industry. Well-qualified candidates will be currently attending a college, university or technical school in the United States, WCMA said, or registered to attend a qualifying school.

Applicants must supply transcripts, a letter of recommendation and a completed application form by Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. Forms may be found at WisCheeseMakers.org, or can be directly requested from WCMA Office and Member Service Manager Sara Schmidt at 608-217-2181 or via email at sschmidt@wischeesemakers.org.

Successful applicants will be announced in March 2021, with awards made in September, WCMA said.