The Dearden Foundation
Mission Statement

To perpetuate the legacy of Milton S. Hershey, The Dearden Foundation honors the life, spirit, leadership, humility, and gratitude of William E. Dearden by serving to inspire and empower Milton Hershey School students and graduates, and the broader Hershey community through education, social programs, and support services.


The Hershey Company, in partnership with the William E. Dearden Foundation, is excited to announce The William E. Dearden and The Hershey Company Continuing Education Scholarship.


The William E. Dearden Foundation and The Hershey Company Continuing Education Scholarship was established in 2022 to honor the life and spirit of William E. Dearden, a distinguished and highly respected alumnus of Milton Hershey School (MHS) and former Chairman of the Board of The Hershey Company. From his graduation in 1940 to his death in 2003, Mr. Dearden was driven in all aspects of his life by his love for and indebtedness to Milton S. Hershey, founder of the Hershey Company and the Milton Hershey School. Mr. Dearden spent virtually his entire career at The Hershey Company working to repay his debt of gratitude for all

they had provided him as a student and made possible for his future.


The purpose of the scholarship is to assist up to four graduating high school seniors who need additional financial support to obtain an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, apprenticeship, technical institute course of study, professional certification, or a professional license.