12 students receive annual dairy career scholarships

Twelve undergraduate students were recently recognized with Student Leader Scholarships, an award intended to encourage and empower the next generation of dairy producers. Supported by the Dairy Excellence Foundation of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association for the 2025-26 academic year, each scholarship recipient received $3,000 toward their undergraduate studies in academic programs that support the dairy industry.

“These 12 scholarship recipients are highly deserving for this competitive scholarship. They each have a strong foundation in the dairy industry and a commitment to expanding on that to find future careers that help advance Pennsylvania dairy,” said Michelle Shearer, Workforce Development Manager at the Dairy Excellence Foundation. “From interests in veterinary medicine and dairy genetics to animal science and dairy processing, we’re continually inspired by the passion the next generation has for their education and the future of dairy farming.”

The Student Leader Scholarship program was designed to provide recognition, encouragement, and financial assistance to outstanding students enrolled in dairy-related academic programs — including dairy and animal science, agricultural marketing and business, nutrition, food science, agriculture and extension education, agricultural communications, agricultural engineering, or related fields.

“We continue to support this scholarship program each year because we are committed to helping college students who are passionate about the dairy industry have the financial support they need to find meaningful careers,” said Dave Smith, Executive Director at the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. “It’s important to keep the Pennsylvania dairy industry vibrant and growing, and investing in our next generation and these 12 dairy leaders is a great way to do that.”

To qualify for the scholarship, students must be enrolled in a dairy-related undergraduate major and demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a future career in dairy. One scholarship is specifically designated for an incoming freshman.

Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients:

• Nicole Arrowsmith — Penn State, Agribusiness Management

  “A huge blessing … contribute to my future in the dairy industry.”

• Chloe Bomgardner — Oklahoma State, Agricultural Communications & Animal Science

  “An incredible honor … help the dairy industry thrive through innovative storytelling.”

• Sarah Diehl — Virginia Tech, Dairy Science

  “Honored and grateful … I hope that one day, I can give back to the farming community.”

• Chelsea Empet — Penn State, Animal Science

  “Grateful and honored … appreciate the generosity of the sponsoring organizations.”

• Danielle Heltzel — Penn State, Animal Science

  “A true honor … I hope to make a lasting impact in the world of agriculture.”

• Darcy Heltzel — Iowa State, Food Science & International Agriculture

  “Incredibly grateful … remind me of how generous and supporting the dairy industry is.”

• Sara McNichols — Penn State, Animal Science

  “Grateful and honored … this generosity does not go unnoticed.”

• Breann Poole — Northwest Missouri State, Animal Science (Pre-Vet)

  “The dairy industry has given me a passion … thankful for all the opportunities.”

• Sara Reed — Penn State, Animal Science

  “Strengthened my confidence … I look forward to giving back to this incredible industry.”

• Ainsley Sellers  — Penn State, Animal Science

  “Allows me to focus more on school … thankful for this support as I follow my passion.”

• Sara Stoltzfus — UMass Amherst, Animal Science

  “Extremely grateful … I always try my hardest to be a leader.”

• Natalie Yoder – Penn State, Agribusiness Management

  “Incredibly grateful … your investment empowers the next generation of agricultural leaders.”

Visit the website here to learn more about the Student Leader Scholarship program and how to support the scholarship fund. Applications for next year’s scholarships are expected to open on May 1, 2026.