For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: May 15, 2018
Southwest Tech a prime option for Governor’s Dairy Scholarship students
Fennimore -
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is poised to help students take advantage of the new Governor’s Dairy Scholarship, which is worth up to $2,500 per year for tuition.
“Concerns about college and money go hand-in-hand,” said Matt Schneider, student success coach at Southwest Tech. “This scholarship offers a great opportunity to cover a large portion of a student’s tuition here at Southwest Tech. With less concern about debt, it will allow the student to focus more on their education and future in this amazing industry.”
The awards are meant for use in obtaining vocational, applied training in dairy production, dairy industry development, and dairy promotion. Degrees, diplomas, certificates, or other credentials that can be completed in two years or less is the focus. Four-year bachelor’s degrees are not eligible for the scholarships.
“If a student is at all considering a career in the dairy industry – on the farm or in the industry sector – they should consider applying for this scholarship,” said Deb Ihm, director of agriculture at Southwest Tech. “At Southwest Tech, we offer a wide variety of ways to train individuals for the dairy industry through the Agribusiness, Science and Technology Program; Farm Operations and Management Program; Ag Power and Technician Program; Farm Business and Production Management Program; and the Dairy Goat Herd Management Certificate.”
In addition to the variety of dairy-related educational programming, instructors at Southwest Tech are committed to the success of their students. “I encourage students to choose Southwest Tech because of the expertise provided by our classroom instructors and the lab activities that aid in understanding of program topics,” said Christina Winch, agriculture instructor. “Our students are our number one priority, and we work hard to make sure that they understand course material and are prepared for a career in the dairy industry.”
The scholarship must be applied for through the State of Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB). The deadline to apply is June 1 of each year to be eligible for the fall of that same year. “This scholarship is a great way to kick-start your post-secondary education,” said Ihm. “We are very fortunate to have our governor and political constituents recognize the importance of the dairy industry in our state and the technical training needed to be successful.”
The scholarships will begin to be awarded in fall 2018. They will be given to students of any age and at any point in his or her agricultural education who have demonstrated an involvement in the state’s dairy industry and who intend to continue in or return to dairying after a period of vocational study in dairy science and dairy issues.
Applicants are required:
- To have either operated, been employed by, or grown up on a Wisconsin dairy farm; be employed by a dairy products processor or in dairy development or promotion; or be a dairy student in Wisconsin.
- To be Wisconsin residents, and either U.S. citizens or with legal permanent resident status.
- To be registered with Selective Service, if required.
More detailed information and application materials are available at heab.wisconsin.gov.