Bonnie Johnson 
November 21, 2024
Media ArticleChobani, renowned for leading America's yogurt market, continues to foster agricultural education through its significant scholarship contributions, this time donating $80,000 to four deserving students at the University of Idaho.
These scholarships, part of the Chobani Scholars program, underscore the company's commitment to nurturing future leaders in agriculture and the dairy industry.
Each recipient, selected for their potential and financial needs, receives $20,000 spread over four years.
This year, the program proudly expands its reach beyond the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) to include, for the first time, two scholars from the College of Engineering.
This expansion reflects Chobani’s dedication to supporting a broader spectrum of academic pursuits connected to agriculture and food production, essential for innovative advancements in the industry.
The Chobani Scholars program has primarily aided students from the Magic Valley of south-central Idaho, a key agricultural hub.
The scholarships are targeted at individuals who aspire to transform the food production landscape but may lack the resources to pursue higher education.
By lowering financial barriers, Chobani facilitates access to education that fuels career readiness in vital sectors like dairy production and agricultural technology.
CALS Dean Michael Parrella highlighted the synergy between academia and industry brought about by this initiative, which not only enhances educational opportunities but also strengthens Idaho’s critical agricultural and dairy sectors.
The success stories from the program’s alumni, who have moved on to impactful careers in veterinary medicine, agribusiness, and dairy science, exemplify the program’s role in seeding the industry with skilled professionals.
As Chobani continues to operate one of the largest yogurt manufacturing plants in the U.S., located in Twin Falls, Idaho, its investment in the Chobani Scholars program is a testament to its commitment to community and industry development.
Photo by: University of Idaho
