The USPOULTRY Foundation is now accepting applications from colleges and universities for the Industry Education Recruitment Funding program. The funding supports student recruitment at colleges and universities that cultivate careers in the poultry and egg industry.

Any institution of higher education in the United States that does not have a Poultry Science Department or degree but demonstrates ways of connecting students with the poultry and egg industry is eligible to apply for a recruitment grant of up to $7,000. Schools that offer a poultry science minor may be eligible for up to $3,000 in additional funding, pending USPOULTRY Foundation Board approval.

“A key aspect of the USPOULTRY Foundation’s mission is to support student recruitment and cultivate the next generation of industry leaders. For the 2024-2025 year, the USPOULTRY Foundation provided $324,215 in student recruiting grants to the six U.S. universities with Poultry Science Departments and 22 other institutions with industry-related programs,” commented Mikell Fries, Claxton Poultry Farms, and USPOULTRY Foundation chair.

Barbara Jenkins, USPOULTRY Foundation executive director and USPOULTRY vice president of education and student programs, remarked, “As the demand for young talent in our industry continues to grow, we encourage colleges and universities across the country to seize this valuable opportunity. Our industry thrives on a wide range of disciplines—from poultry and animal science to business, marketing, accounting, information technology and beyond.”

A committee of university and industry professionals will review funding requests and make recommendations to the USPOULTRY Foundation board of directors. Institutions may apply for a grant by completing the funding application and submitting it via email to Barbara Jenkins at bjenkins@uspoultry.org or via regular mail by August 15. The application can be accessed by clicking here.