Scholarships
The scholarship program was founded in 1995 to recognize exceptional undergraduate students pursuing careers in the meat industry. Scholarships are merit based and presented annually to accomplished students pursuing education that will lead to a career in the meat industry. Many scholarships are named after important industry icons including Barry Carpenter, Frank DeBenedetti, Al Piccetti, John Duyn, Florence Smith Powers, Rosemary Mucklow, Ron Gustafson and a special scholarship for the culinary arts named after Robert Hatoff. Based on merit, the board of directors may also award additional scholarships based on qualifications. The Foundation awards one $10,000 Barry Carpenter Scholarship and numerous $5,000 scholarships.
The Foundation is very grateful to the review committee which consists of Phil Bass, University of Idaho; (Chair); Jeff Sindelar, University of Wisconsin; Tricia Harlan, JBT; Gary Sullivan, University of Nebraska; Trent Schwartz, West Texas A&M University; Diana Clark, Certified Angus Beef; Jessica Lancaster, National Cattleman's Beef Association; Kaitlyn Compart, Smithfield; David Hayden, JBT; Morgan Pfeiffer, Oklahoma State University; Travis Arp, JBS; Brianna Buseman, Marbel Technologies, Derris Burnett, Mississippi State University; Kelsey Sindelar, Jones Dairy Farm; Kelly Vierck, University of Arkansas; Sierra Jepsen, Butcher Solutions; and Ariel Belk, University of Auburn.
Every year, the scholarship review committee reviews student applications and scores them using a weighted rubric. After the committee members complete the evaluation of their assigned student applications, they send the scores to the committee chair. The scholarships are awarded and students are either assigned a general merit scholarship or assigned a named scholarship.
To Apply
Applications for all scholarships are processed online and are open to all undergraduate and graduate students majoring in Animal, Meat, Poultry or Food Sciences or enrolled in a Culinary Arts program or interested in a career in the meat industry and enrolled at an accredited university. Applications require department support, and a transcript must be uploaded at the time of application. The deadline for applying is April 30, 2026. Please review the Eligibility and Rules before you begin the application form.
For questions and information contact:
Meat Foundation
Phone: (202) 587-4220
E-mail: scholarship@meatfoundation.org
Mail: Meat Foundation, attn: Scholarship Program, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 0604, Arlington, VA 22203.
2025-26 Undergraduate Scholarship Winners
- Barry Carpenter Scholarship
Cason Frisby, University of Arkansas - Rosemary Mucklow Scholarship
Emma Shepard, Iowa State University - Al Piccetti Scholarship
Matthew Stinebaker, Texas A&M University - Merit Scholarship
Nathan Kerth, Texas A&M University
Spencer Walahoski, West Texas A&M University
Jack Habjan, Texas Tech University
Abigail Sleep, Texas Tech University
Hayden Lott, Kansas State University
Gemma Dotts, The Ohio State University
Kylie Beard, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Shayla Mader, Texas Tech University
2025-26 Graduate Scholarship Winners
- Ron Gustafson Scholarship
Megan E Eckhardt, West Texas A&M University - John Duyn Scholarship
Vianca Tashiguano, Auburn University - Florence Powers Scholarship
Rishav Kumar, Auburn University - Frank DeBenedetti
Boluwatife Esther Ajayi, Texas A&M University - Merit Scholarship
Lauren Lee, Texas A&M University - Kleberg Animal and Food Sciences Center
Erasmo Alexander Flores Granados, Auburn University
Clint Lee, University of Georgia
Kadie Graves, Texas A&M University
Katherine S Sierra, Auburn University
Lindsey Decker, Texas Tech University
Other Scholarship Resources
The industry is deeply supportive of education for students interested in a career in meat and food industries, including majors that are related to meat and food processing. Students should check out these additional scholarship opportunities to support funding their education. Deadlines and qualifications may vary.