Scholarships and Professional Development

BEMA is committed to educating the baking industry’s workforce.  Providing scholarships is nothing new to BEMA. In 1984, BEMA launched its first scholarship program. Using funds earned from the International Baking Industry Exposition, $50,000 was allocated for scholarships to BEMA. BEMA named its scholarship program after former president Tom Belshaw. Six years later, a second $50,000 was added from IBIE to the scholarship efforts for both associations.

This time, however, BEMA honored former president Robert Loeb by naming a second scholarship program after him.Today, these two programs have been combined into the Belshaw-Loeb Scholarship Fund. Interest earned from the investments in this fund is used for scholarships for a senior and junior in the Grain Science program at Kansas State University (K-State).

For BEMA Members

As a tribute to Bill Pulver, a former BEMA president, BEMA established the Pulver Scholarship. This is designated for BEMA member employees to attend educational programs.

Who Can Apply: 

• Scholarships are open to individuals currently employed by an active BEMA member in good standing.
• Scholarships are awarded for any industry-related educational courses, programs, seminars or workshops. This includes professional and personal development at BEMA’s discretion.

How Much You Can Receive: 

• Approved applications would be funded up to 100% of the program costs. Companies shall be reimbursed no more than $7,000 for its employee scholarship awardees in a year; individuals shall be awarded no more than $3,000 (at 100%).
• Limits are not necessarily guaranteed amounts. The total sum of all awards should not exceed the calendar year budget without Board approval. Awards will be on a first come first served basis as approved.

For the Baking Industry

BEMA provides funds for individuals entering into or currently employed in the baking industry. The program criteria indicate that awards will be given for educational courses, programs, seminars, and workshops sponsored in the United States for the benefit of the baking industry.

Who Can Apply: 

• Scholarships are open to individuals currently employed by a baker customer and/or baking-related customer.
• Scholarships are awarded for any industry-related educational courses, programs, seminars, or workshops. This includes professional and personal development at BEMA’s discretion.

How Much You Can Receive: 

• Approved applications would be funded up to 100% of the program costs.  Companies shall be reimbursed no more than $7,000 for its employee scholarship awardees in a year; individuals shall be awarded no more than $3,000 (at 100%).
• Limits are not necessarily guaranteed amounts. The total sum of all awards should not exceed the calendar year budget without Board approval. Awards will be on a first come first served basis as approved.

For K-State Students

In recognition of Tom Belshaw and Bob Loeb, BEMA established a scholarship to provide financial support for individuals attending the Grain Science program at K-State in Manhattan, KS.  For more information, contact the BEMA office at 913-338-1300.