Scholarship for Growing the Future

IDDBA's Growing the Future Scholarships, for our industry. College, Technical, Grad School! APPLY!

Scholarship for Growing the Future

IDDBA supports and encourages aspiring and experienced professionals on their paths to building credentials for a successful future.

Our scholarships help young people preparing for the road ahead as well as professionals who have chosen to venture down a new road or just build on past accomplishments.

For additional information or inquiries, contact us at 608-310-5000 or scholarships@iddba.org. Check to see if your company is an IDDBA member

Testimonials

Professional-Development-Scholarship-recipient testimonial

“My favorite part of working for Saputo is truly the people and culture which offers an environment built on diversity and inclusion. Since my first day with the organization I have felt welcome, supported, and empowered to make decisions. Having been awarded a scholarship means that, in addition to the support of Saputo, I’ve earned support and recognition from the IDDBA as well to continue in my current degree program.
Melissa Saportio

“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

“Being a part of the MDBS has led me to meet so many different people and have great opportunities that improve my future that I would not have had otherwise. People like my superiors and coworkers have not only guided me during my time with the company but have also been some of my most incredible supporters, and without them, I have no doubt I would be a different person. This scholarship is another way this company supports and improves my future, and I could not be more grateful for being a part of this company.
Mackenzie Nall

What is the Scholarship for Growing the Future?

The Scholarship for Growing the Future is a program that grants hardworking college students, who are employees of IDDBA member companies, up to $2,000 towards their college tuition.

Who is eligible?

Students enrolled in a degree program at a college or technical school.
Students who work at an IDDBA-member company 13 hours a week or more (not just one breaks from school).
Open to students enrolled in summer ’24 or fall ’24 classes.
Previous recipients are eligible to reapply.

When are applications due?

Next application period: January 10^th
Next application deadline: April 30^th

How do I apply?

Apply online and upload, letter of recommendation from your supervisor (see FAQs), and essay.
Essay topic: With over 22 million agriculture and food-related jobs, our industry offers endless career paths spanning diverse fields - from veterinarians working with livestock to logisticians distributing products to lawyers negotiating contracts. The possibilities are endless. Explore careers in the food industry and identify a specific job that sparks your interest and explain how your current education prepares you to pursue that career.
Essay should be no longer than 500 words.

What else should I know?

Notification of awards mid-May.
Awards issued end of June.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which internet browser should I use?

Chrome

Who should write my letter of recommendation?

We ask that your letter of recommendation be written by your IDDBA member-company supervisor. Click for example.

What does a letter of recommendation look like?

Click for example.

When will I know if I was selected for a scholarship?

Amount of tuition assistance to be determined by Scholarship Committee. Notifications of awards will be sent mid-May.

When will I receive my check?

Checks will be sent the end of June.

When can I use my scholarship check?

The earliest you can use your scholarship check is for summer ’23.

How do I use my scholarship check?

The check will be mailed to you but made out jointly to you and your school. Take the check to your school's financial aid or bursar’s office and sign it over to them for use as outlined. Further instructions will be mailed with your check.

What can I use the scholarship check for?

The scholarship money can be used for tuition paid through your university account.

I’ve graduated or am no longer enrolled in a degree program; can I get the scholarship money?

Unfortunately, in these cases, the scholarship money or remaining scholarship money should be returned to the IDDBA.

I have money left over from summer or fall tuition; what happens to the remaining scholarship money?

If you are enrolled in the following term, the money can be used for that term’s tuition paid through your university account.

Reminder of the Application Checklist & Essay:

I acknowledge…

I am currently enrolled in a degree program at a technical college, college, university, or graduate school.
I work at least 13 hours/week during the school year (not just during breaks).
My GPA is 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale.
I understand that the earliest I can use my scholarship check is to cover summer 2024 tuition, and that the funds must be used by the end of the spring 2025 semester.
I have my transcript ready to attach.
I have my letter of recommendation from my supervisor ready to attach.
I have my essay ready to attach.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.

I’m currently a senior in high school, can I apply for this scholarship to use for my first semester of college?

Yes, you may apply.