American Family Insurance and Milwaukee Brewers create new Fearless Dreamer Scholarship Program; applications open today

MILWAUKEE – American Family Insurance and the Milwaukee Brewers/Brewers Community Foundation (BCF) have affirmed their commitment to equity in education opportunities by establishing the Fearless Dreamer Scholarship Program for graduating high school seniors currently residing in Milwaukee. Milwaukee Brewers outfielder and American Family brand ambassador Christian Yelich will also contribute $35,000 to the scholarship program, which was announced today at American Family Field. The application process opens today.

The scholarship program will provide financial support and programming for students pursuing STEM majors (science-technology-engineering-math).

Five scholarships awarded every year
American Family and Brewers Community Foundation have committed to endowing the new scholarship over the life of the 15-year agreement to ensure it will continue in perpetuity. 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. Scholarship recipients will also gain access to mentoring support and be considered for internship opportunities with both organizations.

“In launching this scholarship program with the Brewers, we hope to remove barriers and help students pursue and achieve their dreams,” said Jim Buchheim, American Family community and social impact officer. “Advancing careers in STEM is one way we’re closing equity gaps, especially as it relates to financial inclusion for Black, Indigenous and other people of color. The Fearless Dreamer Scholarship Program will create a talent pipeline for high-demand tech careers that benefits not only employers, but positively impacts the entire community. We’re also grateful for the support of Christian Yelich and his generous contribution.”

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), live in Milwaukee and intend to enroll in a full-time two- or four-year accredited university. 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.

“We are proud to partner with American Family Insurance to establish and launch the Fearless Dreamer Scholarship Program,” said Cecelia Gore, Brewers Community Foundation executive director. “The support offered through financial funding and further mentorship programming will help to fill the gaps for low- to moderate-income students working tirelessly to break through into STEM careers.”

Application process opens today
Fearless Dreamers living in Milwaukee who want to learn more about qualifications and apply for one of the five scholarships can visit this link. Applications for 2021 scholarships will be accepted from today, March 29 to April 26, 2021, with announcement of recipients to be made in June of 2021.

Commitment to Milwaukee community
When American Family and the Milwaukee Brewers announced an expanded partnership in January 2019 it included a commitment to partnering with the Brewers Community Foundation on community-based initiatives and investing in the greater Milwaukee community, 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). Additional joint community initiatives will be announced in the coming months.

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 recently that supports investments and partnerships that close equity gaps and drive social impact in communities.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.