The University of Idaho has selected the next four Chobani Scholars. The four high school graduates are enrolled in the U of I’s College of Ag and Life Sciences, and will pursue a four-year degree focused on the dairy industry. Each student will receive $20,000 each from Chobani to support their efforts.

Chobani operates the world’s largest yogurt plant in Twin Falls.

“The success of the next generation of dairy farmers is incredibly important to us, and through this program we can help invest in some of the most talented and passionate young people out there,” said Jason Rahlan, director of social impact and philanthropy at Chobani. “Through this partnership with the University of Idaho, these students will learn the valuable skills needed to one day become the dairy leaders of tomorrow.”

This year’s Chobani Scholars include: 

Alicia Easterday of Twin Falls is graduating from Lighthouse Christian School. She intends to study animal and veterinary science at U of I in the pre-veterinary program. “I would like a career in dairy farming because of my sheer love for cows. I also feel there is a need for young people to go back to the family farm and bring new knowledge to the table to bridge the generation gap,” she said.

Narcisse Mubibya of Twin Falls is graduating from Canyon Ridge High School. The son of two Chobani employees, he intends to study animal and veterinary science at U of I in the business option program. “Growing up in Africa, agriculture was very important. My parents taught me how to raise animals. I know getting a degree from the University of Idaho will be a great opportunity, a great way to help me pursue my career,” he said

Katlyn Scarrow of Kimberly is graduating from Kimberly High School. She intends to study animal and veterinary science at U of I in the business option program. “I am the fifth generation in a dairy farm family. My family has been milking cows on the same dairy farm in Wendell, Idaho, since my great-great grandfather started in the early 1940s. I want a job in the dairy industry because I’ve grown up in it, and I love it,” she said.

Shaylyn Young of Jerome is graduating from Jerome High School. She intends to study animal and veterinary science at U of I in the pre-veterinary program. “From the on-campus farms to the passionate instructors, I will leave not only with a degree but also with the important experiences that will help me as I go on to vet school,” she said.

“We are excited to welcome the next group of four outstanding young people to the Chobani Scholars program and to the U of I College of Agricultural and Life Sciences,” CALS Dean Michael Parrella said.

The Chobani Scholars program was established at U of I in 2018. The scholarships are for Idaho students with family connections to dairy farming and who intend to pursue a career in the dairy farming industry. The first four students enrolled last fall and completed their first year in outstanding fashion, said Matt Doumit, the college’s associate dean and director of academic programs.

Chobani has committed to fund annual scholarships at two universities – U of I and the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in New York. The commitment by Chobani is significant as a pipeline of well-educated graduates, armed with future-forward skills and modern farm management capabilities, is necessary for protecting the dairy industry’s important agricultural legacy and ensuring its future success.


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