2024 American Family Insurance and Milwaukee Brewers Fearless Dreamer Scholarship Program application process opens Feb. 13

American Family Insurance and the Milwaukee Brewers/Brewers Community Foundation (BCF) announced the application portal for the 2024 Fearless Dreamer Scholarship Program for Milwaukee-area graduating high school seniors, opens today, Tuesday, Feb. 13.

This scholarship program, now in its fourth year (announced in 2021), demonstrates 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

Five scholarships have been 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 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. All the Fearless Dreamer scholars will take part in a Community Day in August which will include a tour of American Family Field.

“We’re proud to partner with the Brewers again on this scholarship program, currently supporting 15 Fearless Dreamer scholars through financial and other resources, helping them achieve their higher education dreams,” said Maritza Contreras, American Family Insurance office of community and social impact. “Each group of students is studying STEM-related disciplines that will enable them to pursue high-demand careers while establishing a talent pipeline in Milwaukee. Next year our first group of Fearless Dreamer scholars will graduate. We’re so pleased to provide these opportunities to deserving students, while helping close racial equity gaps and create meaningful impacts in 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. “This scholarship makes a difference in the lives of the recipients by truly investing in their success – offering financial assistance and mentorship. This annual program continues to positively impact students and is something we are proud to support.”

2021 Fearless Dreamer scholar excelling at studies

Joaquin Bustos was in the first class of Fearless Dreamer scholarship recipients and in 2025 will be in the first group of graduates. He is currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison majoring in computer science. 

Joaquin is a fearless dreamer because he’s learned to turn challenges into opportunities and even embrace setbacks while continuing to pursue his goals. “When another opportunity arises, I am not concerned with the risk of failing but the delight in another chance at trying,” said Joaquin. “This is what being a fearless dreamer means to me.”

Joaquin is grateful to American Family Insurance and the Milwaukee Brewers for the Fearless Dreamer scholarship. “Educational dreams take time and effort, and the scholarship has provided me with not only financial resources, but pathways to career development and ways to be involved in the community," said Joaquin. Today, Joaquin is a tutor, hackathon organizer, founder of a tech consulting LLC and intern. He credits his ability to participate in these activities, while working toward being a software engineer, in part to the scholarship program. “Now, I have the opportunity through this program to share my knowledge, time, stories and passion with others.”

Applications now being accepted

Fearless Dreamers living in Milwaukee who want to learn more about criteria and apply for one of the five scholarships can visit the link below. Applications for 2024 scholarships will be accepted from February 13 to March 31, 2024 at 3 p.m., with an announcement to all applicants about scholarship recipients in late May 2024.

Fearless Dreamer Scholarship Program application portal link

American Family and BCF signed formal agreements to endow the 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.

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 (including social and emotional well-being and mental health).

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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Milwaukee 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. 301 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 nearly 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. Over the past decade, BCF has generated more than $55 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 brewers.com/BCF to learn about ways you can join the team that goes to bat for those in need.