The National Pork Industry Foundation (NPIF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research and education in the pork industry, is proud to announce the establishment of the US Pork Center of Excellence (USPCE) Swine Legacy Scholarship.

For 20 years, the USPCE served as a vital public-private partnership that united academic expertise, resources and industry collaboration to strengthen the US pork sector. Earlier in 2025, the USPCE Board of Directors made the strategic decision to sunset the organization — an act underscoring their commitment to ensuring resources continue to be used effectively to support the industry’s future.

Through a competitive proposal process, a committee of individuals connected to the pork industry and land grant universities selected NPIF to receive USPCE’s remaining financial assets. In honor of the organization’s legacy, NPIF has created the USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship, ensuring USPCE’s impact will continue to shape future generations of pork industry leaders.

This endowed scholarship program will award three $5,000 scholarships annually, two to undergraduate students and one to a graduate or professional track student. Scholarship consideration will be given to individuals pursuing studies in research, education, veterinary science or related fields that support the swine industry. The first scholarships will be awarded in 2026, and the program is expected to continue for the next 40 years.

“We are honored that the US Pork Center of Excellence entrusted NPIF with continuing its mission,” said Barb Determan, president of the National Pork Industry Foundation. “Through this scholarship, we can carry forward that legacy by supporting students who will shape the future of pork production with the same dedication USPCE brought to the industry.”

The application period for the 2026 USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship opens Nov. 3 and closes Dec. 1, 2025. Applications will be accepted from third- or fourth-year undergraduate students and from current or accepted graduate or veterinary science students who are US citizens pursuing careers in the pork industry.

The USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship complements the foundation’s broader efforts, including the Neil Dierks Scholarship and the Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship, to invest in education and empower the next generation of leaders.

More information is available on the 2026 USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship page. For questions, applications can contact Lucy Russell, NPPC director of producer engagement, at 515-864-7983 or russelll@nppc.org.

Source: National Pork Producers Council