WPA Offering Scholarships

The Wisconsin Pork Association is offering scholarships to high school seniors and college students. Students with a sincere interest in the swine industry are encouraged to apply.

A new Fredrich Memorial Scholarship has been added to the offerings this year thanks to funding from the Southeast Wisconsin Pork Producers. The Fredrich Memorial Scholarship honors Clarence Fredrich who was actively involved in the Southeast Wisconsin Pork Producers Association and very supportive of youth programming in agriculture. High school seniors and college freshman from Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha counties are eligible to apply for this scholarship.

In addition to the Fredrich Memorial Scholarship, Wisconsin Pork Association is also continuing to offer the Wisconsin Pork Association Scholarship, Whitmore Memorial Scholarship, and Gunderson Memorial Scholarship. Additional information on each of the scholarship requirements and copies of the application forms are available on the WPA website www.wppa.org/scholarships. The application deadline for all four scholarships is December 1, 2017.

Wisconsin Pork Association Scholarship

The Wisconsin Pork Association scholarship is open to high school seniors pursuing post high school education in agriculture. Preference will be given to those students possessing leadership abilities and a sincere interest in the swine industry. Five finalists will be selected from the applications received to compete for the $500 scholarship, with each finalist receiving $250 for their participation.  An interviewing committee will select finalists. The application for this scholarship is posted on www.wppa.org/scholarships.

Whitmore Memorial Scholarship

The Whitmore Memorial Scholarship was established as a legacy to the late Rex Whitmore, a master statesman and communicator who served as the first executive director of the Wisconsin Pork Producers Association.

Applicants must be a registered junior or senior at one of the following University of Wisconsin campuses: Madison, Platteville, or River Falls. One finalist will be selected from each campus to compete for the $500 scholarship. Each finalist will receive $250 for their participation.

The criteria considerations include grade point average (applicant should be in top one-third of class), extracurricular activities involvement and leadership positions, career interest and orientation, and financial need. The application for this scholarship is available from each respective campus’ contact person listed on the WPA website.

Gunderson Memorial Scholarship

The Wisconsin Pork Association, in cooperation with the family of Buell Gunderson, has established a scholarship program to recognize the many contributions that Gunderson made to the Wisconsin pork industry. Gunderson, together with his wife, Bernice, served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Wisconsin Pork Association for 20 plus years and assisted in growing the organization from its initial roots to the successful organization that it is today–sponsoring scholarships, developing youth programs and helping to support the pork producers of the state.

The Wisconsin Pork Association will accept recommendations or applications from county pork producer organizations, industry members, pork producers, and colleges or technical schools for recipients of the Gunderson Memorial Scholarship on an annual basis. Individuals who have shown considerable dedication and involvement in the pork industry will be considered for the $500 scholarship.

The Wisconsin Pork Association’s mission is to insure the future success of the Wisconsin pork industry. WPA represents the interests of the pork industry members with a strong emphasis on social issues, public and government policies, environment, animal welfare and safety.