American Family Insurance and Milwaukee Brewers 2022 Fearless Dreamer Scholarship Program application process opens Feb. 1

MILWAUKEE – American Family Insurance and the Milwaukee Brewers/Brewers Community Foundation (BCF) announced today the application process for the 2022 Fearless Dreamer Scholarship Program for Milwaukee graduating high school seniors, opens Tuesday, Feb. 1.

The joint scholarship program was announced last year, demonstrating both organizations’ commitment to equity in education by providing funds and programming for students pursuing STEM majors (science-technology-engineering-math), especially Black, Indigenous and other people of color.

Five scholarships awarded each year
American Family and BCF have signed formal agreements to endow the new scholarship over the life of their 15-year partnership to ensure it will continue in perpetuity, with the funds established at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. Five scholarships will be awarded every year, worth $2,500 per year and renewal up to four additional years, for a total of $12,500 to the recipient. At any given time, up to 25 students could be supported by the scholarship program.

Scholarship recipients gain access to mentoring, are invited to participate in quarterly virtual sessions covering a variety of topics and will be considered for internship opportunities with both organizations.

“We know access to higher education, particularly in STEM majors that lead to in-demand tech careers, can be one of the most important keys to unlocking a successful future,” said Leana Nakielski, American Family community and social impact director. “We’re proud to know, joining with the Brewers, this scholarship fund is providing opportunities through financial support and helping close racial equity gaps for Milwaukee’s best and brightest students, as well as creating a homegrown talent pipeline that is mutually beneficial for both employers and the community.”

Scholarship parameters
To be eligible for a Fearless Dreamer scholarship, applicants must be a graduating senior (or a high school graduate not previously enrolled in post-secondary under the age of 25), live in Milwaukee and intend to enroll in a full-time two- or four-year accredited university pursing a STEM major. Students who identify as American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx, or Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and participants of American Family Insurance-sponsored STEM programs are encouraged to apply.

“It is our honor to have established the Fearless Dreamer Scholarship Program alongside American Family Insurance and jointly make the commitment to Milwaukee students motivated to pursue careers in STEM,” said Cecelia Gore, Brewers Community Foundation executive director. “We are proud to support students especially from low- to moderate-  income families that have the ability to reach their full potential with needed financial funding and mentorship opportunities. I am happy that we are able to provide another resource that will encourage their success.”

Application process opens February 1
Fearless Dreamers living in Milwaukee who want to learn more about criteria and apply for one of the five scholarships should visit this link. Applications for 2022 scholarships will be accepted from Feb. 1 to March 15, 2022 at 3 p.m., with announcement of recipients made in the May-June 2022 time period.

Commitment to Milwaukee community
When American Family and the Milwaukee Brewers announced their expanded partnership in January 2019 it included a commitment to partnering with BCF on community-based initiatives and investing in greater Milwaukee, in addition to stadium naming rights. Focus areas for investments include education, culture and environment, and whole family support (which includes social and emotional well-being and mental health). Several community initiatives have been announced since that time, with more to come.

American Family investment part of larger initiative
American Family’s contributions to this scholarship program are part of Free to Dream, a new initiative announced in 2021 pledging $105 million over five years, supporting investments and partnerships that close equity gaps and drive social impact in communities.

2021 scholars
Learn more about three of the 2021 scholars in these video profiles: Aniya, Joaquin, Temitope

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.