TUCKER, GA. — The USPOULTRY Foundation announced it approved student recruiting grants worth $297,580 to six US universities with Poultry Science departments and 20 other institutions with industry-related programs.

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 (IPPE).

“Our industry needs talented young people to see all the amazing and varied career paths offered in our industry, so they can make the choice to become our leaders of tomorrow,” said Michael Levengood, Perdue Farms and USPOULTRY Foundation chairman. “USPOULTRY Foundation recruiting grants are an essential tool to help colleges and universities encourage students to enroll in poultry industry-related studies.”

The recruiting grants for each university included:

  • University of Arkansas ($29,684)
  • Auburn University ($31,719)
  • University of Georgia ($27,868)
  • Mississippi State University ($29,133)
  • North Carolina State University ($31,719)
  • Texas A&M University ($49,877)

The 20 other institutions with industry-related programs receiving recruiting and retention grants under the Foundation’s Industry Education Recruitment Funding Program are:

  • California State University, Fresno, California ($7,000)
  • Clemson University, South Carolina ($2,250)
  • Cleveland Community College, North Carolina ($7,000)
  • Delaware Valley University ($2,310)
  • Emmanuel University, Georgia ($4,484)
  • Iowa State University ($7,000)
  • Kansas State University ($5,600)
  • Modesto Junior College, California ($7,000)
  • Murray State University, Kentucky ($4,620)
  • North Carolina A&T State University ($2,800)
  • Sam Houston State University, Texas ($7,000)
  • Tennessee Tech University ($4,620)
  • University of Arkansas Pine Bluff ($2,310)
  • University of Delaware ($3,465)
  • University of Florida ($4,425)
  • University of Mount Olive, North Carolina ($3,696)
  • University of North Georgia ($7,000)
  • University of Tennessee ($3,500)
  • Wallace State Community College, Alabama ($4,500)
  • Wilkes Community College, North Carolina ($7,000)

US 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.