The Meat Foundation announced that applications are now open for its 2026–27 scholarship program and that the largest award has been increased to $15,000.

The foundation will award $100,000 in merit-based scholarships to exceptional undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in the meat and poultry industry and related fields.

To further support the development of future leaders in animal agriculture, the foundation has increased the award for its top scholarship — the Carpenter Scholarship — from $10,000 to $15,000 for one undergraduate and has added one graduate recipient this year. It also increased the Merit Scholarships from $5,000 to $10,000 for two undergraduate and two graduate students. The Meat Foundation will award an additional three $5,000 scholarships to undergraduates and three $5,000 scholarships to graduate students this year. 

For the 2026–2027 academic year, students can apply for the following Meat Foundation scholarships

Undergraduate awards

1 – $15,000 Carpenter Scholarship 

2 – $10,000 Merit Scholarships 

1 – $5,000 DeBenedetti Scholarship 

1 – $5,000 Mucklow Scholarship 

1 – $5,000 Duyn Scholarship

Graduate Awards

1 – $15,000 Carpenter Scholarship 

2 – $10,000 Merit Scholarships

1 – $5,000 Gustafson Scholarship 

1 – $5,000 Piccetti Scholarship 

1 – $5,000 Powers Scholarship 

These scholarships honor influential industry leaders, including Barry Carpenter, Frank DeBenedetti, Al Piccetti, John Duyn, Florence Smith Powers, Rosemary Mucklow, and Ron Gustafson, whose legacies continue to shape the meat and poultry sector. 

 Applications are reviewed by a scholarship committee using a weighted rubric to ensure a rigorous, merit-based selection process. Students must be enrolled at an accredited university and submit department support and a transcript at the time of application. 

 The deadline to apply is April 30, 2026.

 To help continue supporting students and future leaders through this scholarship program, consider donating here. 

Source: Meat Foundation