TUCKER, GA. — The USPOULTRY Foundation announced that it would award student recruiting grants worth $324,215 to six US universities, with poultry science departments and 22 other institutions also receiving industry-related programs.

The grants were made possible partly 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.

“Our industry thrives on the creativity and passion of the next generation,” said Jarod Morrison, Farbest Foods and USPOULTRY Foundation chairman. “By showcasing the diverse career opportunities available, we empower talented young individuals to step into leadership roles. The USPOULTRY Foundation’s recruiting grants play a crucial role in guiding colleges and universities to inspire students to pursue careers in the poultry sector.”

The recruiting grants for each university included:

• University of Arkansas ($29,699)
• Auburn University ($30,143)
• University of Georgia ($28,875)
• Mississippi State University ($27,987)
• North Carolina State University ($32,868)
• Texas A&M University ($50,428)

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, Calif. ($7,000)
• Clemson University, South Carolina ($2,600)
• Cleveland Community College, North Carolina ($7,000)
• Delaware Valley University ($7,000)
• Hannibal-LaGrange University, Missouri ($7,000)
• Iowa State University ($4,000)
• Modesto Junior College, California ($7,000)
• North Carolina A&T State University ($3,785)
• Ohio State University ($4,000)
• Pennsylvania State University ($10,000)
• Sam Houston State University, Texas ($3,500)
• Stephen F Austin State University, Texas ($6,000)
• Tennessee Tech University ($7,000)
• University of California- Davis ($4,620)
• University of California- Merced ($7,000)
• University of Delaware ($2,060)
• University of Maryland ($5,650)
• University of Mount Olive, North Carolina ($5,500)
• University of North Georgia ($10,000)
• University of Tennessee ($5,500)
• University of Wisconsin ($1,000)
• 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 can apply for recruiting grants.