2023 American Family Insurance and Milwaukee Brewers Fearless Dreamer Scholarship Program application process opens Feb. 22

American Family Insurance and the Milwaukee Brewers/Brewers Community Foundation (BCF) announced today the application process for the 2023 Fearless Dreamer Scholarship Program for Milwaukee graduating high school seniors, opens Wednesday, Feb. 22.

This is the third year of the joint scholarship program, which was announced in 2021, demonstrating both organizations’ commitment to equity in education by providing funds and programming for students pursuing STEM majors (science-technology-engineering-math), especially BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and other people of color) students.

Five scholarships awarded each year

American Family and BCF 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 are awarded each 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 that access to higher education in the STEM disciplines unlocks the potential to achieve employment in high-demand fields that lead to successful future careers as well as establishing a high-tech talent pipeline,” said Leana Nakielski, American Family community and social impact director. “Our 10 Fearless Dreamer scholars from 2021 and 2022 are excelling at their studies, and we’re proud to partner with the Brewers again on this scholarship to provide financial support and opportunities to more deserving students that help close racial equity gaps and positively impact our communities.”

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.

“We are so proud of our joint effort with American Family Insurance to offer the Fearless Dreamer Scholarship Program to support Milwaukee students as they pursue careers in STEM,” said Cecelia Gore, Brewers Community Foundation executive director. “What makes this scholarship program truly special is the investment in the recipients, not only providing financial assistance but also mentorship – both of which are imperative to students’ success. I’m looking forward to seeing the impact this program has in its third year.”

Application process opens February 22

Fearless Dreamers living in Milwaukee who want to learn more about criteria and apply for one of the five scholarships can visit this link (also posted in first paragraph). Applications for 2023 scholarships will be accepted from February 22 to March 31, 2023 at 3 p.m., with announcement of recipients made in the May 2023 time period.

Commitment to Milwaukee community

American Family and the Milwaukee Brewers announced their expanded partnership in January 2019 and 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 and implemented 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, an initiative announced in 2021 pledging $105 million over five years, supporting investments and partnerships that close equity gaps and drive social impact in communities.

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Brewers media contact:
Leslie Stachowiak
Milwaukee Brewers
leslie.stachowiak@brewers.com 
414-902-4488

About the American Family Insurance group
Based in Madison, Wisconsin, American Family Insurance has been serving customers since 1927. We inspire, protect and restore dreams through our insurance products, exceptional service from our agency owners and employees, community investment and creative partnerships to address societal challenges. We act on our belief in diversity and inclusion by constantly evolving to meet customer needs and preferences. American Family Insurance group is the nation’s 12th-largest property/casualty insurance group, ranking No. 251 on the Fortune 500 list. The group sells American Family-brand products, primarily through exclusive agency owners in 19 states. The American Family Insurance group also includes CONNECT, powered by American Family Insurance, The General, Homesite and Main Street America Insurance. Across these companies the group has more than 13,000 employees nationwide.

About Brewers Community Foundation (BCF)
BCF harnesses the pride, passion and commitment of Brewers fans, players and other supporters to positively impact the lives of children and their families in the Greater Milwaukee area and throughout Wisconsin. For more than a decade, BCF has generated more than $47 million to support local non-profits in the areas of health, education, recreation and basic needs. Approximately 200 non-profit organizations receive funding annually through the Foundation’s initiatives. Visit www.brewers.com/BCF to learn about ways to join the team that goes to bat for those in need.