Oregon Dairy Women Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Oregon Dairy Women

About Oregon Dairy Women (ODW)
Oregon Dairy Women is a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the dairy industry. ODW’s mission is to increase consumption of dairy products through outreach and educational programs. Since 1959, the Oregon Dairy Women’s Dairy Princess Ambassador Program — working in partnership with the Oregon Dairy Farmers Association (ODFA) and the Oregon Dairy Nutrition Council — has represented and promoted Oregon’s dairy industry. ODW also awards scholarships to college students and provides financial support for 4-H and FFA programs, Agriculture in the Classroom, Ag Fest, Summer Ag Institute, Adopt-a-Farmer, and judging teams.

Scholarship Programs and Eligibility

1) 4‑Year College / University Scholarship
- Award amount: $3,000 annually.
- Eligibility:
- Major in Animal Science, Food Science, Veterinary Science, Nutrition, Dietetics, or another field that affects or relates to the dairy industry; OR be the son or daughter of an Oregon dairy family, have worked on an Oregon dairy for at least two years, or have completed a 4‑H or FFA dairy project for four years in Oregon.
- Enrolled full-time and at least a sophomore at a four‑year college or university (freshman year must be completed).
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.7.
- Renewal: If a recipient’s cumulative GPA is 3.5 or higher in the award year, they may reapply the next year for up to three consecutive years. Renewal applicants must provide an official transcript showing grades and full‑time enrollment.

2) 2‑Year Community College Scholarship
- Award amount: $1,000 annually.
- Eligibility:
- Either a graduating high school senior planning to attend a community college full-time in the fall, or a current full‑time community college student.
- Be the son or daughter of an Oregon dairy family, have worked on a dairy for at least two years, or have completed a 4‑H or FFA dairy project for four years in Oregon.

3) ODFA Scholarship (4‑Year College, Trade School or Community College)
- Award amount: One $1,500 scholarship offered annually.
- Eligibility:
- Must be the son or daughter of a current Oregon Grade A dairy producer who has paid the ODFA assessment during the most recent year, and must have lived on a dairy.
- Full‑time student status: sophomore standing or above at a four‑year college or a community college. Trade school applicants are eligible in their first year.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.7.
- This ODFA scholarship may be awarded to an individual only once.

Application Materials (required)
- Completed application form (downloadable online).
- One‑page autobiography describing dairy background plus school and community involvement.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Official academic transcript.

Selection Process and Payment
- Recipients are selected based on the application packet, autobiography, recommendations, scholastic achievements, and a personal interview. Note: community college applicants are not interviewed.
- Scholarship funds are disbursed in the Fall by the Oregon Dairy Women’s Treasurer directly to the selected student and/or the educational institution designated by the recipient.

Additional Notes
- A particular scholarship may be received only once, except in the 4‑year scholarship case where a recipient who meets the 3.5 GPA renewal condition may reapply (see 4‑Year Scholarship renewal rule).
- Winners of the 2‑year Community College scholarship may later apply for the 4‑Year College scholarship if they meet the stated eligibility requirements.