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.
2026-27 Undergraduate Scholarship Winners
- Barry Carpenter Scholarship
Kade Lawrence | West Texas A&M University | Animal Science, Agricultural Business & Economics - Ron Gustafson Scholarship
Lauren Wolter | Kansas State University | Animal Science & Industry/Global Food Systems Leadership - Al Piccetti Scholarship
Jenna Whiting | Pennsylvania State University | Agribusiness Management - Frank DeBenedetti
Andrew Carnley | University of Georgia | Animal and Dairy Science - Merit Scholarship
Avel Zermeño | West Texas A&M University | Animal Science
Drew Mickey | Kansas State University | Animal Science
2026-27 Graduate Scholarship Winners
- Barry Carpenter Scholarship
Micah Black | Auburn University | Poultry Science/Food Science - Rosemary Mucklow Scholarship
Lauren Lee | Texas A&M University | Animal Science - Meat Science & Food Safety - John Duyn Scholarship
Amelia Main | Texas Tech University | Animal Science/Meat Science - Florence Powers Scholarship
Jose Isaac Vargas Patino | Auburn University | Poultry Science - Merit Scholarship
Shelton Luedke | Texas Tech University | Animal Science/Meat Science Focus
Muhammad Bilal Haider | Texas A&M University | Food Science and Technology
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.