The USPOULTRY Foundation awarded student recruiting grants totaling $331,292 to six U.S. universities with Poultry Science departments and 21 other institutions with industry-related programs. The Foundation provides annual recruiting and retention funds to colleges and universities to attract or connect students to their poultry programs or the industry. The grants were made possible in part by gifts to the USPOULTRY Foundation from companies, individuals and families, in addition to funds earned over the years from the International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production & Processing Expo.

The six poultry science departments receiving the grants are:

The 21 other institutions with industry-related programs receiving recruiting and retention grants under the Foundation’s Industry Education Recruitment Funding Program are:

“The future of our industry depends on the creativity and drive of the next generation. By showcasing the many career opportunities available, we encourage young talent to grow into tomorrow’s leaders. The USPOULTRY Foundation’s recruiting grants help colleges and universities motivate students to explore fulfilling careers in the poultry industry,” said Mikell Fries, Claxton Poultry Farms and USPOULTRY Foundation chairman.

The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association established the USPOULTRY Foundation in 1994 to provide student recruiting funds to universities with Poultry Science departments. In 2004, the Industry Education Recruitment Funding Program was added to the Foundation’s umbrella so other colleges and universities that offer industry-related studies are eligible to apply for recruiting grants. Since the inception of the program, the USPOULTRY Foundation has reinvested more than $8 million industry recruitment efforts.