Tillamook Awards $35K in Scholarships to Oregon Students

The Tillamook County Creamery Association is putting $35,000 toward making college dreams come true for students in Tillamook and Morrow counties this spring. The dairy cooperative's 24th annual Excellence in Leadership scholarship program will award 10 scholarships of $3,500 each to students who are making their communities better.

The scholarships recognize young people who show leadership through service, whether they're organizing food drives, mentoring younger students, or volunteering at local nonprofits. Graduating high school seniors, current undergrads, and graduate students are all eligible to apply.

Since launching in 2003, the program has become a reliable source of support for Oregon families. Over two decades, Tillamook has awarded $342,000 to 156 students pursuing everything from nursing degrees to agricultural science.

The company ensures its own community gets recognition too. At least one scholarship goes to the child of a Tillamook farmer-owner, and another to a company employee or their child. The remaining eight scholarships are open to any student with permanent residency in Tillamook or Morrow counties who maintains at least a 3.0 GPA.

The Ripple Effect

When a major employer invests in local students, entire communities benefit. These scholarships often mean the difference between attending a dream school or settling for less, between graduating debt-free or drowning in loans.

The students Tillamook supports typically return home with fresh skills and ideas. Some become teachers in their hometowns, others launch businesses, and many find ways to give back to the communities that supported them.

Applications are open now through April 15. Students can find the full application and eligibility requirements on Tillamook's website.

After 24 years, this program proves that businesses can be profitable and generous, competitive and community-minded, all at once.