The USPOULTRY Foundation is accepting applications for its Industry Education Recruitment Funding Program, which supports colleges and universities working to attract and develop the next generation of poultry and egg industry professionals.

U.S. colleges and universities that do not offer a poultry science department or degree but demonstrate meaningful efforts to connect students with career opportunities in the poultry and egg industry, are eligible to apply for recruitment grants of up to $7,000. Schools that offer a poultry science minor may also qualify for up to $3,000 in supplemental funding, subject to approval by the USPOULTRY Foundation board.

“For 2025, the Foundation awarded $331,292 in student recruitment grants to 27 colleges and universities nationwide. Our industry’s future depends on attracting, educating and inspiring the next generation of professionals. The USPOULTRY Foundation is proud to support institutions that connect students with the many career opportunities in the poultry and egg industry,” said Jonathan Cade, Hy-Line International and chair of the USPOULTRY Foundation.

Barbara Jenkins, USPOULTRY Foundation executive director and USPOULTRY vice president of education and student programs, said, “The poultry and egg industry depends on talent from many disciplines to drive innovation and growth. This funding helps institutions highlight the wide range of career opportunities available to students, from poultry and animal science to business, accounting, communications and information technology.”

A committee of university and industry professionals will review funding requests and make recommendations to the USPOULTRY Foundation board of directors. Institutions may apply by completing the funding application and submitting it by email to Barbara Jenkins at bjenkins@uspoultry.org or by regular mail by Aug. 15. The funding application is available online.