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 May 31, 2025. Please review the Eligibility and Rules before you begin the application form.
Click here to access the 2025-2026 Undergraduate Application Form. Click here to access the 2025-2026 Graduate 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.
2024-25 Undergraduate Scholarship Winners
- Barry Carpenter Scholarship
Ryan Heitschmidt, West Texas A&M University - Rosemary Mucklow Scholarship
Blake Robbins, Oklahoma State University - Al Piccetti Scholarship
Hayden Lott, Kansas State University - Merit Scholarship
Clara Bates, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lane Golla, West Texas A&M University
Helene Keiser, West Texas A&M University
Nathan Kerth, Texas A&M University
Reagan Rippy, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Ashley Rivera, University of Arkansas
Stevie Thate, Colorado State University
Lauren Thompson, Kansas State University
2024-25 Graduate Scholarship Winners
- 2024-25 Graduate Scholarship Winners
Megan Eckhardt, West Texas A&M University - John Duyn Scholarship
Michael Starnes, Texas Tech University - Florence Powers Scholarship
Amrit Pal, University of Georgia - Frank DeBenedetti
Arshdeep Singh, University of Missouri - Merit Scholarship
Yureni Carvajal, Iowa State University
Nicholas Gallina, Purdue University
Clint Lee, University of Georgia
Conor McCabe, University of California, Davis
Colton Smith, Colorado State University
Stephanie Witberler, Kansas State University