Brewers launch new scholarship for STEM majors

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Brewers and American Family Insurance launched a new scholarship for students pursuing careers in science and technology.

Applications are available right now.

Five $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to students from Milwaukee each year.

Each of the scholarships is renewable for four years, so a senior is looking at potentially $12,500 for their education.

"This helps fill our tech talent gap, it helps achieve our 'free to dream' initiative to help close equity gaps," said American Family Insurance Community and Social Improvement Director Leana Nakielski.

She said targeting scholarships to minority students pursuing technical careers will help Milwaukee.

"We believe Milwaukee's greatest asset is our people, and so to invest in programs and resources that help our people achieve our dreams that will drive our investment in our community partnerships with the Milwaukee Brewers," said Nakielski.

Outfielder Christian Yelich also contributed $35,000 to the new Fearless Dreamer Scholarship.

"It's a joy to partner with you, and as you mentioned it's a joy to be on the field," said Brewers Community Foundation Executive Director Cecelia Gore.

She said this scholarship joins three others the Brewers have partnered with.

"This is right in line with the things that we've been able to do over the years," said Gore.

She said she's also looking forward to having a park full of fans in the stands again. The Brewers Community Foundation makes much of its money from the 50/50 raffles at games, which have been impossible to hold for a year now.

"As soon as we get the nod, we'll start generating money so that we can again support nonprofits in the area," said Gore.

Perhaps another reason to get excited for baseball's return.

"Bringing that joy and excitement out into the community and really focusing on how together we can drive community impact," said Nakielski.