Professional Development Opportunities
Annually, two scholarships are available to Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow educators seeking professional development opportunities. These funds are made available through contributions made to the Dairy Excellence Foundation.
To Be Eligible, Educators Must:
- Be registered members of the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow program and have taught the curriculum portion.
- Have at least one student who completed and passed the Introductory to Dairy course and at least one of the certificate courses since January 1, 2024.
To Apply, Educators Must:
- Complete the Online DLT Educator Scholarship Application
- Submit a photo and one (1) letter of reference that is either from an administrator, a peer agricultural educator or from an individual in the dairy industry.
* Letter should demonstrate the applicant’s commitment to agriculture education and to preparing students for agriculture and dairy-related careers.
* Submit the reference letter to Michelle Shearer at mshearer@centerfordairyexcellence.org
Scholarships are designated to fund the registration, accommodations and travel costs associated with an educationally-focused professional development conference or workshop totaling no more than $1,000.
Applications are not being accepted currently.
Applications will be accepted starting on March 1, 2026.
If you have any questions about the application, please feel free to contact Michelle Shearer by phone at 570-768-8316 or via email at mshearer@centerfordairyexcellence.org.
Congratulations to the 2025 Scholarship Winner!
Congratulations to this year’s Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow Educator Scholarship recipient! Stephanie Balmer of Penn Manor High School in Pennsylvania was recently named to receive reimbursement of up to $1,000 to support professional development opportunities during this school year.
Stephanie Balmer
Stephanie Balmer teaches at Penn Manor High School in Millersville, Pennsylvania. She uses teaches in a high school agricultural program that has five majors, including General Agriculture, Agricultural Production, Animal Science, Horticulture and Agricultural Mechanics. The program serves 300 students annually, with an active FFA chapter that has approximately 150 members. Stephanie follows a three-circle model of agriculture education to help equip students with practical skills, industry-relevant knowledge, and real-world experiences, as well as foster professionalism, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities that are essential for success in the workplace.
Stephanie utilizes the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow Program, specifically the Intro to Dairy Technologies course, in her agriculture mechanics course and incorporates the program’s hands-on learning opportunities, including Exploration Experiences, to help students explore potential careers in veterinary science.
“I am so thankful for this program and receiving this professional development scholarship. This will help me continue my personal commitments to furthering my education. This program has allowed me to share my love for the dairy industry with my students,” Balmer shared. “The DLT program is very user-friendly, and I have found it to be a great asset for educators who are seeking virtual opportunities and credential certifications for their students.”
“Receiving this scholarship means a great deal to me. It not only acknowledges my commitment to the future of the Dairy Industry but also provides invaluable support for my professional development. I am excited about the opportunities this scholarship will afford me to enhance my skills and knowledge, ultimately benefiting my students and the industry as a whole.”
Feel free to contact Michelle Shearer at mshearer@centerfordairyexcellence.org with any questions.
2026 Scholarship Applications will be accepted from March 1 – June 1, 2026.