The USPOULTRY Foundation recently awarded a $7,000 student recruiting grant to Wilkes Community College (WCC). The grant was made possible in part by an endowing Foundation gift from Case Farms.
The grant funds will assist in the college’s recruitment efforts, spreading awareness about the educational and career opportunities available through the Animal Science and Poultry Management Associate degrees that the college offers. To raise general interest in the poultry industry, the college encourages student participation in poultry evaluation contests and workshops, which will also be financially supported by the USPOULTRY Foundation grant.
“Wilkes County is fortunate to have a thriving animal science industry, and Wilkes Community College is proud to have quality partners like the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and Case Farms,” said Matthew Greene, lead instructor for the college’s Animal Science program. “Northwestern North Carolina needs graduates in the animal science field. With the average age of farmers nearing 60, we need young, trained hands entering the field. Our graduates are highly sought after and are able to find careers that fit their passion.”
In September 2020, the USPOULTRY Foundation board approved student recruiting grants totaling $275,663 to 26 colleges and universities across the United States with a poultry science department or industry-related degree program. The USPOULTRY Foundation provides annual recruiting funds to colleges and universities to attract students to their poultry programs. The grants are made possible by gifts to the 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.
