American Family Insurance and Milwaukee Brewers 2022 Fearless Dreamer Scholarship Program application process opens Feb. 1

American Family Insurance and the Milwaukee Brewers/Brewers Community Foundation (BCF) announced today the application process for the 2022 Fearless Dreamer Scholarship Program for Milwaukee graduating high school seniors, opens Tuesday, February 1.

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

Five scholarships awarded each year

American Family and BCF have 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 will be awarded every 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 access to higher education, particularly in STEM majors that lead to in-demand tech careers, can be one of the most important keys to unlocking a successful future,” said Leana Nakielski, American Family community and social impact director. “We’re proud to know, joining with the Brewers, this scholarship fund is providing opportunities through financial support and helping close racial equity gaps for Milwaukee’s best and brightest students, as well as creating a homegrown talent pipeline that is mutually beneficial for both employers and the community.”

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.

“It is our honor to have established the Fearless Dreamer Scholarship Program alongside American Family Insurance and jointly make the commitment to Milwaukee students motivated to pursue careers in STEM,” said Cecelia Gore, Brewers Community Foundation executive director. “We are proud to support students especially from low- to moderate-  income families that have the ability to reach their full potential with needed financial funding and mentorship opportunities. I am happy that we are able to provide another resource that will encourage their success.”

Application process opens February 1

Fearless Dreamers living in Milwaukee who want to learn more about criteria and apply for one of the five scholarships should visit this link. Applications for 2022 scholarships will be accepted from February 1 to March 15, 2022 at 3 p.m., with announcement of recipients made in the May-June 2022 time period.

Commitment to Milwaukee community

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

2021 scholars

Learn more about three of the 2021 scholars in these video profiles: Aniya, Joaquin, Temitope

# # #

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 13th-largest property/casualty insurance group, ranking No. 232 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 13,500 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 brewers.com/BCF to learn about ways you can join the team that goes to bat for those in need.