Merced Cheese Company gives $41K in educational scholarships through annual program
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- Hilmar Cheese Company awarded $41,000 in scholarships to sixty‑three local students.
- The annual scholarship program has operated since 2003 to support students.
- Students in four categories, including agriculture majors, received awards.
A local cheese company is investing in the next generation, awarding $41,000 in educational scholarships to 63 students.
The Hilmar Cheese Company has run an annual scholarship program since 2003, as part of its mission to “improve lives together.”
The program awards funds in four categories: children of Hilmar Cheese Company employees, children of the dairy farm families who ship milk to Hilmar Cheese, students who are part-time employees at the company’s visitor center, and students pursuing an agricultural major in Merced and Stanislaus counties where Hilmar Cheese has facilities. Students in counties that house Hilmar in Kansas and Texas are also eligible, and students in this category are not affiliated with the company. W
Applicants are selected based on academic performance and extracurricular activities (including work) and future ambitions to contribute to the agriculture or dairy industry.
This year, 22 scholarships were awarded to children of employees. Three part-time employees at the Hilmar Cheese Visitor Center received scholarships, as did seven children of the dairy families that supply milk to Hilmar. Thirty-one additional students working toward agricultural degrees were selected.
In a press release, scholarship recipient Adam Raposo said, “I am working towards being a lineman. After graduation from Hilmar, I will be attending Modesto Junior College to build my skill set with an Applied Electrical Technology A.S. Degree.”
“My mom has worked for Hilmar for 30 years,” said Raposo, “and I am honored by this scholarship opportunity. I am grateful for the help it offers with my college expenses and future goals.”
Qualifying students are encouraged to apply between Nov. 1 and Feb. 1, 2027, for next year’s scholarship fund online at https://www.hilmar.com/contact-form-scholarship-application/.
