Wisconsin Cheese Originals: Want to be a Wisconsin cheesemaker? Apply now for $2,500 scholarship

Want to be a Wisconsin Cheesemaker? Apply Now for $2,500 Scholarship

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Cheese Originals announces applications for its annual Beginning Cheesemaker Scholarship are available. The $2,500 award will help one aspiring cheesemaker earn his or her Wisconsin cheesemaking license and make new artisan, farmstead or specialty cheeses.

Since its start in 2009, Wisconsin Cheese Originals has provided $16,500 in scholarship money to help at least one new Wisconsin artisan cheesemaker earn his or her cheesemaking license every year. A significant portion of membership dues are used to provide the annual $2,500 award to a Wisconsin resident interested in pursuing cheesemaking as a career.

Wisconsin is the only state in the nation to require cheesemakers to be licensed, a lengthy process that can take as long as 18 months, requires the attendance at five cheesemaking courses, and 240 hours of apprenticeship with an existing licensed Wisconsin cheesemaker.

Applications for the 2016 Wisconsin Cheese Originals Beginning Cheesemaker Scholarship are available for download at www.WisconsinCheeseOriginals.com. Applications are due March 11. The recipient will be chosen by a review committee and notified by March 25.

For a full list of past recipients and their accomplishments, visit www.WisconsinCheeseOriginals.com. For more information, contact Jeanne Carpenter, 608-358-7837 or email Jeanne@wordartisanllc.com.