Clone of 2025 Primera Strong Scholarship

2026 Primera Strong Scholarship

Each March, during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Primera honors the life and legacy of our former Board Chairman Michael Kropp, whom we lost in December 2021 after his courageous fight with colorectal cancer.

Michael believed deeply in people, in our industry, and in the strength of the Primera community. His leadership helped shape our cooperative and strengthen the relationships that make our membership unique.

During his fight, we coined the phrase “Kropp Strong.” For many of us, it became more than a message of encouragement, it represented the way Michael lived and led every day.

From that spirit came the idea of Primera Strong, a reflection of the values that defined "Kropp Strong" and seamlessly aligned with Primera’s G.I.V.E Pillars of Excellence.

Primera Strong represents the values that define our cooperative and the people within it:

Growth – Leadership - Developing ourselves and others, both personally and professionally.
Influence – Strength - Having the courage to stand firm in adversity and use our voice to make a difference.
Value – Commitment - Dedication to our industry, our organizations, and the communities we serve.
Engagement – Perseverance - Showing up, staying involved, and pursuing something greater than ourselves.

To honor Michael’s legacy and raise awareness for a disease that is largely preventable through early screening, Primera established the Primera Strong Scholarship. This program invests in the next generation connected to our membership while recognizing students who reflect these same values.

In 2026, Primera will award the 5th annual Primera Strong Scholarships.

Eligibility

The Primera Strong Scholarship is open to students connected to Primera member-owners companies and suppliers who are pursuing higher education at an accredited college or university.

Eligible applicants include:
Primera Member Distributor employees
Children of Primera Member Distributor employees
Grandchildren of Primera Member Distributor employees
Primera Member Supplier employees
Children of Primera Member Supplier employees
Grandchildren of Primera Member Supplier employees

Applicants must:

Be enrolled in an accredited two-year or four-year college or university for the 2026–2027 academic year
Be pursuing an associate or undergraduate degree

Scholarship Awards

In 2026, Primera will award three scholarships to students who demonstrate strong character, commitment to education, and a desire to positively impact their communities.

Primera Strong Scholar — $5,000

One applicant will be selected as the Primera Strong Scholar, receiving a $5,000 scholarship.

This student will be invited to attend Primera’s Annual Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, August 3–5, 2026, where they will be recognized by the membership and share a brief reflection during the scholarship presentation.

Primera will cover the recipient’s travel and hotel expenses for the conference.

Primera Strong Scholarship Recipients — $2,500

Two additional students will each receive a $2,500 Primera Strong Scholarship, awarded as a one-time payment made directly to their college or university.

Scholarship Recognition

All scholarship recipients will:

Receive scholarship funds paid directly to their college or university
Be recognized on Primera’s website and social media
Be honored by the Primera membership as part of the 2026 Primera Strong Scholarship Class

Recipients will be notified on or before May 30, 2026.

Application Requirements

To be considered for the Primera Strong Scholarship, applicants must submit:

1. Personal Statement or Cover Letter: A letter requesting consideration for the scholarship that includes:

The college or university you plan to attend
Your academic goals
How you hope to make an impact in your career or community

2. Letter of Recommendation

One letter from an academic advisor, teacher, or employer.

3. Completed Scholarship Application

All materials should be uploaded and attached to the online application.

Yes

Full Name*

First NameLast Name

Birthdate:*

MonthDayYear

Cell Number:*

Format: (000) 000-0000.

E-mail :*

Where the confirmation will be send to. Note:This email will be use for all scholarship correspondence

Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

YesNo

Select Your Connection To Primera*

Primera Member / Supplier Company Name:*

Name of Employee Connected to Primera & Relationship*

First & Last NameRelationship (parent, grandparent, etc)

College or University You Plan to Attend (Fall 2026)*

Expected Major Area of Study:*

Career Goals: (Briefly describe the career you hope to pursue)*

0/300

YesNo

High School Attended:*

Year of High School Graduation or GED:*

Most recent cumulative GPA:*

High School activities, community activities, volunteer work, honors, offices held:*

Year you took the ACT / SAT:

ACT / SAT composite (overall) score?

ACT / SAT scores are not required, but may be submitted if available.

Applicants reporting scores may be asked to provide verification.

College Currently Attending

Credit Hours Completed

Current GPA:

College Activities, Leadership Roles, or Honors

YesNo

If yes, please describe your role and experience.

YesNo

If yes, please describe the type of work you expect to do.

Essay 1 — Growth & Leadership (300–500 words). The Primera Strong Scholarship reflects the spirit of Michael Kropp’s message of “Kropp Strong.” These values are expressed through Primera’s Pillars of Excellence. Growth represents leadership, developing ourselves and others both personally and professionally. Describe how you have demonstrated leadership and personal growth in your life, school, work, or community. What have you learned from these experiences, and how have they shaped the person you are becoming?*

Essay 2 — Influence & Strength (300–500 words). Influence represents strength, having the courage to stand firm in adversity and use our voice to make a difference. Describe a challenge you have faced or a responsibility you have taken on that required strength, resilience, or leadership. What did you learn from the experience, and how did it shape your perspective or goals?*

Essay 3 — Value & Engagement (300–500 words). Value reflects commitment to our industry, organizations, and communities, while Engagement represents perseverance - showing up, staying involved, and pursuing something greater than ourselves. How do you hope to use your education to contribute to your community, profession, or industry? Describe how your future goals reflect commitment and perseverance.

Cover Letter*

Letters of Recommendation *

Additional Supporting Materials (Optional, resume, additional letters of recommendation, academic achievements)

By signing below, I certify that all information provided in this application is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

I understand that providing false information may result in disqualification.

E-Signature:*

Primera is committed to equal opportunity in employment and education. Primera does not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other protected class.

Type a question

2026 Primera Strong Scholarship Application

Acknowledgement

Applicant Information:

Connection To Primera

II. High School Information:

Standardized Test Scores (Optional) :

For Students Currently Enrolled In College:

Work and Industry Experience

Essay Questions

Growth → Leadership Influence → Strength Value → Commitment Engagement → Perseverance

The strongest applications will demonstrate how you embody the spirit of Primera Strong, inspired by Michael Kropp’s message of Kropp Strong, through the values reflected in Primera’s Pillars of Excellence.

Supporting Materials

Applicant's Certification