The USPOULTRY Foundation awarded a $6,800 student recruiting grant to Kansas State University. The grant was made possible in part by an endowing Foundation gift from Cargill and was presented by Barbara Jenkins, executive director of the USPOULTRY Foundation to several Kansas State University animal science students along with Dr. Scott Beyer, associate professor of poultry nutrition and management.
A portion of the funds will be utilized in the creation and planning of hands-on projects and poultry programs for the university’s animal science students, including the promotion of poultry career opportunities through the university’s existing Avian Sciences Club. Further educational efforts will include tours of local poultry farms, assisting with local FFA chapter events and competing in poultry judging contests. The remaining funds will be used to support further education about the poultry industry among the university’s agriculture students, including participating in USPOULTRY’s College Student Career Program at the International Poultry Expo - part of the International Production & Processing Expo - where the students can interview for full-time careers and internship opportunities.
In September 2019, the USPOULTRY Foundation board approved student recruiting grants totaling $383,577 to 35 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 at the International Poultry Expo.