Every year, the NPFDA Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships to five outstanding students who are enrolled full-time pursuing an agriculture, poultry or food science (related) degree. The NPFDA Scholarship Foundation was established in 1979. Since that time, the Foundation has awarded almost $250,000 in scholarships to outstanding students. The NPFDA Scholarship Foundation, Inc. is entering its 38^th year of assistance to help build "People Resources" for the poultry and food industries by providing scholarships to students pursuing an education in all fields relating to the poultry industry. It is our goal not only to help students achieve their degrees, but to help students who may become effective leaders in our industry one day.

All land grant colleges and universities throughout the country, along with other qualified schools, receive full details of the scholarship program for circulation to those students who would qualify for consideration each winter for the upcoming academic year. Each student must complete the application, write a one page narrative on their goals and ambitions, and submit these papers with their transcripts. The Foundation has a very dedicated committee who reviews each applicant’s application, letter(s) of recommendation, and the student’s essay on his/her goals and aspirations. It is a long, tenuous process where each student is graded (individually by each committee member) on their goals and aspirations, their extracurricular activities and industry-related activities. We then compile all the committee member ballots and select the top five students. Cash awards go to the top five ($2500 per student). The next student chosen will be the alternate student should one of the award recipients not use all of his/her funds (i.e. early graduation).

This year, the Foundation received many impressive applications.

We are pleased to announce the 2016-2017 NPFDA Scholarship winners:

♦ Elizabeth Davis Poultry Science, University of Georgia - Albin S. Johnson Memorial Scholarship

♦ Laura McLear, Poultry Science, University of Georgia - William Manson Family Memorial Scholarship

♦  Katie Blakely, Poultry Science / Agricultural Economics, Texas A&M University - Alfred Schwartz Memorial Scholarship

Alternate -Abby Marion,University of Florida Agricultural Communications & Education

NPFDA Employees and Families Scholarship Winners

♦Manuel Vidal, Nursing, Jacksonville State University - Parent works for Wayne Farms

♦Madeline Nicole Dobbs, Early Childhood Education, University of Georgia   - Parent works for Wayne Farms     

If you know of someone who is pursuing a degree in Poultry Science, Food Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Economics, etc., please make sure they are made aware of this scholarship program so they may apply for the 2015-2016 scholarship. They may call or write NPFDA for scholarship information at: NPFDA, 2014 Osborne Rd, Saint Marys, GA 31558; PH: 770-535-9901, FAX: 770-535-7385; or e-mail: info@npfda.org.

The foundation would not exist if not for the financial support of our industry. Members and other industry personnel are encouraged to consider aiding in this worthy project. Donations may be sent to the NPFDA office. You may make your donation in memory of an individual - NPFDA will inform the membership and the family of the donation. The foundation and its activities are approved by the IRS and donations are tax exempt.

Source: NPFDA