February 17, 2026 (RENO, Nev.) – From classrooms to kitchens, the Nevada Dairy Farmers is bringing back its culinary scholarship program, offering up to $20,000 to support Nevada students on their path to professional careers in the culinary arts. Applications officially open Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, with four scholarships available to help aspiring chefs turn their passion for cooking into a career.
This year’s scholarship awards include:
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First Place: $10,000
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Second Place: $5,000
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Third Place: $2,500
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Fourth Place: $2,500
The scholarship was created by Nevada Dairy Farmers and the Dairy Council of Nevada to support students interested in advancing their culinary education while showcasing the versatility and nutritional value of real dairy.
“Following the success of the 2022 and 2023 programs, we’re excited to bring back our culinary scholarship with expanded opportunities for Nevada students,” said Libby Lovig, RDN, LD, general manager at Nevada Dairy Farmers. “We’re proud to invest in the next generation of culinary professionals and celebrate creativity in the kitchen, especially when it highlights the wholesomeness of dairy.”
Students must complete an online application, provide proof of acceptance or enrollment in a culinary program, respond to open-ended questions about their career goals and submit an original dairy-based recipe. Applicants will also provide photos of their finished dish and a short vertical video reel showing the cooking process. Dairy must be the main focus of the recipe and include at least two dairy ingredients.
The scholarship is open to Nevada residents aged 17 or older who are enrolled (or planning to enroll) in a culinary program at a university, college, community college, culinary school or vocational school. Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026.
A judging panel will review all submissions and select four finalists based on enrollment status, commitment to a culinary career, application responses and the quality of each dairy-focused recipe, photos and video. Finalists will be announced in May 2026.
For more information, visit the Nevada Dairy Farmers Scholarship webpage.
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About The Nevada Dairy Farmers:
The Nevada Dairy Farmers are a group of dairy producers and dedicated advocates who work together to promote responsible dairy farming, nutritional products, and the people who make it all happen, our farmers. Our mission is to promote the nutritional benefits and affordability of natural, nutrient-rich dairy products as part of a healthy lifestyle for youth, families, and adults.
The Dairy Council® of Nevada is a non-profit organization comprised of a team of dedicated professionals devoted to the promotion of agriculture, lifelong health, and the enjoyment of food. We work on behalf of Nevada’s Dairy Farm Families to provide timely, scientifically-based nutrition information to the media, health professionals, consumers, and others concerned about fostering a healthy diet in addition to promoting fun, community-based events to showcase dairy foods and dairy farmers.
For more information about The Nevada Dairy Farmers, visit nevadamilk.com or find us @NevadaMilk on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
