Jan. 16 2019 03:01 PM

Michigan Dairy Ambassador Program Gearing Up for 2019, Applications Due Jan. 27

The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.

Any Michigan high school and college students interested in dairy and/or pursuing a career in the dairy industry have until Jan. 27 to apply for the 2019 Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership Program. Continuing with updates instituted last year, the program offers dairy communications training to interested applicants.

All applicants meeting baseline criteria will be invited to attend a day-long program kickoff on Feb. 8, the second day of the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC). Attendees will be considered 2019 Michigan Dairy Ambassadors and will be equipped with the messaging and practice to effectively communicate with consumers in-person and online.

Participation throughout the year in trainings, dairy events and promotion will earn points with the opportunity to advance to the interview round. Applications, resume and participation and interview will be considered for scholarship recipient selections. Two scholarships will be awarded to the representatives, one to a junior winner and another to a senior winner.

The senior division is reserved for college students up to age 22, with the winner receiving a $1,500 scholarship. The junior division is limited to high school students in grades nine to 12, and the winner receives $1,000 that can be applied toward higher education or the purchase of a dairy animal within the upcoming year. Applicants are not required to have a dairy farm background, but they must plan to pursue a career related to the dairy industry. The scholarship program is funded through a benefit auction held at the annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC).

Students interested in applying for the 2019 Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership Program can download an application from www.glrdc.org or contact Megghan Honke Seidel at 517-884-7089. Applications must be submitted electronically to 1glrdc@gmail.com and will be accepted until Jan. 27.

This year's event will take place in Frankenmuth, Michigan on February 7 - 9, 2019. For the conference schedule and registration information, visit www.glrdc.org or contact Megghan Honke Seidel.