USPOULTRY Foundation Industry Education Recruitment Funding Program

The USPOULTRY Foundation Industry Education Recruitment Funding Program is a private funding initiative designed to strengthen the future workforce of the poultry and egg industry by supporting student recruitment efforts at U.S. colleges and universities. The Foundation, which focuses on advancing education, research, and career development within the poultry sector, provides targeted financial support to institutions that actively connect students with career pathways in the industry. Its mission centers on cultivating talent across a wide range of disciplines that contribute to poultry and egg production, including animal science, business, communications, and technology. The primary purpose of this funding program is to encourage institutions of higher education to develop and enhance recruitment strategies that introduce students to opportunities within the poultry and egg industry. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based colleges and universities that may not necessarily have a dedicated poultry science department or degree but can demonstrate meaningful engagement with the industry. This includes efforts such as career outreach, partnerships with industry stakeholders, and curriculum or extracurricular initiatives that expose students to poultry-related professions. Institutions that offer a poultry science minor may be eligible for supplemental funding, subject to board approval. Funding amounts are structured to provide up to 7000 dollars per institution for general recruitment activities. Additionally, schools offering a poultry science minor may receive up to 3000 dollars in supplemental funding. The funds are intended strictly for recruitment-related purposes and may not be used for scholarships or direct stipends to students. Applicants are required to present a detailed budget and clearly outline how the funds will be used to achieve recruitment goals. The program does not specify a fixed number of awards, as funding distribution depends on the number and quality of applications received each cycle. The application process requires institutions to complete a formal funding application form and submit it either via email or by regular mail to the USPOULTRY Foundation. Applicants must provide detailed information about their program structure, recruitment needs, anticipated use of funds, and supporting data such as student enrollment, faculty involvement, course offerings, and graduate placement outcomes. Additional documentation, including a completed Form W-9, is required if funding is awarded. The submission deadline for applications is August 15, and all materials must be received by close of business on that date. Applications are reviewed by a committee composed of university and industry professionals who evaluate proposals based on their potential impact, clarity of purpose, and alignment with the program’s objectives. The committee makes funding recommendations to the USPOULTRY Foundation Board of Directors, which makes final award decisions. While specific evaluation criteria are not explicitly detailed, emphasis is placed on the institution’s ability to effectively recruit and prepare students for careers in the poultry and egg industry. The program operates on an annual cycle, with funding decisions made following the August submission deadline. Although specific award notification timelines are not provided, applicants can reasonably expect review and decision-making to occur shortly after the deadline. The program reflects the Foundation’s broader commitment to workforce development and industry sustainability by investing in educational institutions that play a key role in shaping future professionals. Institutions interested in applying are encouraged to contact the Foundation directly for additional guidance or clarification.

Be specific and detailed in describing recruitment needs and budget; clearly demonstrate connection to poultry industry careers