USPOULTRY awards grant

Penn State has received a $10,000 student recruiting grant to support its poultry and avian science (PAS) minor and related programs.

The USPOULTRY Foundation has awarded a $10,000 student recruiting grant to Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) in University Park, Pennsylvania, to support its poultry and avian science (PAS) minor and related programs.

Established in 2005, Penn State's PAS minor is an integral part of the Animal Science major, which offers two primary tracks—one focusing on veterinary medicine and research and the other on industry and business. Both tracks include poultry-related coursework, such as avian physiology, poultry production and poultry evaluation.

In addition to animal science majors, students from diverse disciplines, including agricultural science, agricultural business and management, food science, veterinary and biomedical science, and agricultural extension, pursue the PAS minor. Seven faculty members with expertise in areas like physiology, nutrition, welfare, genetics, diseases and processing enhance the program’s curriculum.

Impact of the Grant

The grant will support expanded recruitment efforts and youth-focused poultry programs, including the Youth Poultry 101 Program, which engages participants aged 12-19 across Pennsylvania. These programs aim to foster a lasting interest in poultry science by teaching essential topics such as disease management, nutrition, incubation, breeding and show preparation.

Additionally, Penn State’s poultry program actively engages with 4-H and National FFA poultry initiatives, which are key recruitment sources. Historically, over 70% of students in the PAS minor have entered the program through 4-H or FFA poultry programs. Last year alone, Penn State Extension reached more than 204,000 youth statewide.

Foundation Support Across the U.S.

This grant is part of the USPOULTRY Foundation’s $324,215 commitment to 28 colleges and universities with poultry science or industry-related degree programs. These funds aim to attract and retain students in poultry science programs, preparing the next generation of leaders in the industry.

The grants were made possible through gifts from companies, individuals, and families, as well as funds generated from the International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production & Processing Expo.

For more information on the USPOULTRY Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.uspoultry.org.

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