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Scholarship for Growing the Future

Scholarships for students working at member organizations - Apply today!

The Scholarship for Growing the Future is a program that grants students who are employees of IDDBA member companies up to $2,000 towards their tuition. This scholarship is available to employees enrolled in colleges, technical schools, culinary schools, or graduate programs.

For additional information or inquiries, contact us at 608-310-5000 or scholarships@iddba.org.

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Application Process

Am I eligible?

Applicants must be:

  • Enrolled in a degree program at a college, technical school, culinary school, or graduate program with a GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale

  • Employed at an IDDBA member organization for at least 13 hours per week

What do I need to apply?

  • Current transcript

  • Letter of recommendation from a supervisor, instructor, or coach

  • Personal essay of 500 words or less describing how your current education prepares you for a career in the agriculture or food industries. Remember that these industries encompass over 22 million jobs with endless, diverse career paths from veterinarians working with livestock to logisticians distributing products to lawyers negotiating contracts. Don't be afraid to think outside the box to find a career path that excites you.

  • Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

When are applications accepted?

  • Applications are accepted from August 11 to October 31 for spring semester reimbursement.

  • Applications are accepted from February 9 to April 30 for fall semester reimbursement.

When is the scholarship awarded?

  • Fall awards are issued mid-November.

  • Spring awards are issued mid-May.

Scholarships will be awarded without regard to age, sex, race, religion, marital status, national origin, handicap, or sexual preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scholarship awards must be used for tuition within six months. The check will be mailed to you but made out jointly to you and your school. Submit the check to your school's financial aid or bursar's office. Further instructions will be mailed with your check.

Yes. Students who will be paying tuition to a college, technical school, culinary school, or graduate program within six months of receiving the award may apply.

This scholarship program is open to degree-seeking students only. If you are working for an IDDBA member organization and would like financial support to pursue non-degree training, explore our Professional Development Scholarship.

Contact us at 608-310-5000 or scholarships@iddba.org 

Support Your Team

Print this poster to display in your store's breakroom!

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"I am grateful to receive this scholarship from the IDDBA. I absolutely love my role in HR with Gelsons Markets. In my role, I have the honor of supporting our employees through life changing events and providing thoughtful leadership to the team. Obtaining my Leadership Studies degree from Cal Poly at Humboldt will allow me to continue to impact the organization and the grocery industry for the next generation of women. This scholarship affords me the ability to chase after my dreams and show others that its never too late to go back to school."

Karla Ash,
Karla Ash

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