Young Dairy Professionals Can Attend the PA Dairy Summit at Discount
Students and other young dairy professionals, including those who work on dairy farms, can apply for the 2027 Pennsylvania Dairy Summit Young Dairy Professionals Scholarship and participate in a new mentorship experience within a career field of their choice. Individuals must be between the ages of 18 and 30. Thanks to a partnership between the Center for Dairy Excellence, Dairy Excellence Foundation and the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, these scholarships allow young dairy professionals to attend the 2027 PA Dairy Summit happening on February 2-4, 2027 in State College for a discounted rate of $50. For the first time ever, those who apply for the scholarship early can also participate in a new Summit Mentorship Experience over winter break.
“We’re excited to launch this mentorship experience to help young dairy professionals broaden their horizons with a shadowing opportunity. We’ll pair you with a nearby dairy farmer or industry professional who matches your career interests to shadow over winter break,” shared Michelle Shearer, Workforce Development Manager at the Center for Dairy Excellence. “Shadow them for a day, get insight into your future career path, and then take those new connections to the next level in February at the Dairy Summit with more than 350 dairy professionals across the industry.”
Young professionals who are interested in this Mentorship Experience must submit the scholarship application by November 30th in order to be paired with an industry professional to shadow over winter break. If accepted, the Young Dairy Professionals Scholarship includes access to the full Dairy Summit for a discounted rate of $50, a complimentary hotel room, access to a Young Professionals Opening Night Reception where they will hear from a panel of young dairy professionals, and an in-depth career development workshop for young professionals.
“It was nice to be surrounded by people whose lives, like mine, revolve around dairy. The Dairy Summit speakers inspired me in my own career goals with what I want to do with my farm, and the mindset I need to achieve my goals. They also encouraged me to reflect on how the little things we do every day make a big difference long-term,” shared Claire Hahn of Silvercrest Farm LLC who received a Young Dairy Professionals Scholarship last year. “One thing I wasn’t really expecting was how much I learned from being around other farmers and listening to what they had to say with the knowledge they’ve accumulated over their years of experience.”
Applicants for the Young Dairy Professionals Scholarship must:
- Be between the ages of 18 and 30 as of February 1, 2027 OR an adult who serves as an advisor or professor of agriculture at a high school, college, or university.
- Operate or work on a dairy farm OR be enrolled in an agricultural degree program at college or trade school, OR be enrolled in an agriculture program at a high school OR teach agriculture at a high school, college, or university.
- Be a resident of Pennsylvania OR enrolled in an agricultural program at a Pennsylvania college or university.
- Agree to pay a $50 registration fee.
“I am incredibly grateful for attending the Dairy Summit through the Young Dairy Professionals Scholarship [last year]. It was an invaluable experience that allowed me to connect with industry leaders, gain insight into current challenges and innovations in the dairy sector, and build relationships with other driven students and professionals. I would absolutely encourage any college student to apply. It’s an opportunity to step outside the classroom, expand your network, and see firsthand where our industry is headed,” shared Ava Kaskela, a student at the University of Delaware and previous scholarship recipient.
To apply for the Young Dairy Professionals scholarship, applications must be submitted by January 15, 2027. Visit www.padairysummit.org and click on “Young Professionals.” Contact Michelle Shearer at mshearer@centerfordairyexcellence.org or call 570-768-8316 with questions.