National Dairy Shrine Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by National Dairy Shrine

Tomorrow’s leaders in the dairy industry are already active—in classrooms, on farms, at youth events and in national competitions. The Dairy Shrine’s mission is to encourage and motivate these young people. Since its founding, Dairy Shrine has invested in programs and awards that build a strong foundation for future dairy professionals and recognizes outstanding dairy youth.

General eligibility
- All Dairy Shrine scholarships and student awards are available only to U.S. students who are attending colleges or universities within the United States and who are majoring in dairy or other agriculture-related fields.
- In multiple cases the number of awards granted depends on the number and quality of applicants and the funds available.

Scholarship and award descriptions

1) Maurice E. Core Freshman Scholarship
- Award amounts: 1st place — $1,000 (additional awards — $1,000)
- Eligibility: Current freshmen at four‑year colleges majoring in a dairy‑ or animal‑industry related field, with an interest in a future career in the dairy industry.
- Selection criteria: Leadership, volunteer service, extracurricular activities and career plans.
- Sponsor: Maurice E. Core Scholarship Fund (established by donations from Friends of Maurice E. Core, longtime Jersey breed leader and Dairy Shrine supporter).

2) McCullough Freshman Communications Scholarship
- Award amounts: 1st place — $1,000 (additional awards — $1,000)
- Eligibility: Freshman students at four‑year colleges majoring in Dairy/Animal Science with an emphasis in Communications, or Agricultural Journalism with a Dairy/Animal Science emphasis.
- Selection criteria: Communication skills, student activities, academic performance and demonstrated plans for a career in dairy journalism or communications.
- Sponsor: Bequest of Marshall E. McCullough, noted Georgia nutrition researcher, educator and journalist.

3) Student Recognition Award for Seniors
- Award amounts: 1st — $2,000; 2nd — $1,500; 3rd and subsequent — $1,000
- Eligibility: Graduating seniors from four‑year colleges or universities who intend to pursue careers in the dairy industry or production agriculture. Each university may nominate up to two students.
- Selection criteria: Leadership, participation in student activities, academic performance and commitment to the dairy industry.

4) Merton Sowerby Junior Merit Scholarship
- Award amounts: 1st — $1,500; 2nd and subsequent — $1,000
- Eligibility: Current juniors at four‑year colleges preparing for careers in the dairy industry. Appropriate majors include, but are not limited to, Dairy Science, Agricultural Economics or Accounting, Dairy Genetics, Dairy Equipment, Dairy Nutrition, Dairy Feed or Pharmaceutical Sales, Dairy Consulting, Extension, Research or Academia.
- Selection criteria: Leadership, campus and industry activities, academic ability and interest in dairy.
- Named for Merton Sowerby, long‑time Guernsey classifier, herdsman, National Dairy Shrine Pioneer and member of the National Dairy Hall of Fame.

5) Dairy Shrine / DMI Milk Marketing & Dairy Products Scholarship
- Award amounts: 1st — $1,500; 2nd and subsequent — $1,000
- Eligibility: Typically awarded to junior students at four‑year colleges planning careers in dairy‑related fields (majors similar to those listed under junior scholarships).
- Selection criteria: Leadership, activities, academic standing and interest in the dairy industry.
- Co‑sponsor: Dairy Management Inc. (DMI).
- Note: Number of awards varies with applicant pool and available funds.

6) Kildee Graduate School Scholarship
- Award amounts: Up to 2 scholarships at $3,000 each
- Background: Established in 1950 in honor of H. H. Kildee, Dean Emeritus of Iowa State University, whose leadership helped shape early dairy industry leaders.
- Eligibility: Students who rank among the top 25 All‑American contestants from the past three National Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contests and/or Platinum winners from the past three National Dairy Challenge Contests. Eligible applicants may apply while in their junior or senior year at a four‑year college.
- Selection criteria: National contest participation, academic standing, leadership, involvement in student activities, future plans and interest in the dairy industry.

7) Mike Lancaster Sophomore Merit Scholarship
- Award amounts: 1st — $1,500; 2nd and subsequent — $1,000
- Eligibility: Current sophomores at four‑year colleges pursuing careers in the dairy industry. Relevant majors include Dairy Science, Agricultural Economics or Accounting, Dairy Genetics, Dairy Equipment, Dairy Nutrition, Dairy Feed or Pharmaceutical Marketing/Sales, Consulting, Extension, Research or Academia.
- Selection criteria: Leadership, activities, academic performance and interest in dairy.
- Named in honor of Mike Lancaster, distinguished dairy cattle breeder and Klussendorf recipient.

8) Dairy Shrine / DMI Education & Communication Scholarship
- Award amounts: 1st — $1,500; 2nd and subsequent — $1,000
- Eligibility: Undergraduate sophomores and juniors at four‑year colleges who are preparing for careers in education or communications within dairy or food‑related industries. Appropriate fields include Education, Social Media & Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Food Science, Human Nutrition, and Journalism.
- Selection criteria: Leadership, relevant experience, academic ability and demonstrated interest in education or communications.
- Co‑sponsor: Dairy Management Inc. (DMI).

9) Iager Scholarship for Two‑Year College Students
- Award amounts: Up to 2 scholarships at $1,000 each
- Eligibility: Second‑year students at two‑year agricultural colleges majoring in Dairy or Animal Science.
- Selection criteria: Academic standing, leadership, interest in the dairy industry and future career plans.
- Sponsor: Fund donated by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Iager, respected Maryland Holstein breeders.

10) Klussendorf / McKown Scholarships
- Award amounts: Seven scholarships at $1,500 each (three funded by the Klussendorf/Chris Kampf fund and four from the McKown Fund)
- Eligibility: Students completing their first, second or third years at accredited two‑year or four‑year colleges/universities in the United States or Canada who are majoring in Dairy Science, Animal Science, Agri‑business or related programs that prepare them for careers in the dairy industry.
- Selection criteria: Involvement in relevant activities, hands‑on experience, interest in showing dairy cattle and career plans.
- Sponsors: Donations make these awards possible from Chris Kampf, the McKown family and members and friends of the Klussendorf organization.

If you’d like, I can format these into a printable brochure, create an application checklist for each scholarship, or draft sample nomination instructions for universities. Which would be most helpful?