Overview: Educational Institutions

The U.S. Poultry & Egg Harold E. Ford Foundation funds recruitment and retention efforts at colleges and universities with poultry science departments. The institutions that currently receive funding are Auburn University, Mississippi State University, North Carolina State University, Texas A&M University, University of Arkansas, and University of Georgia. Established in 1994, the foundation has contributed over $1,655,977 to participating universities.

The foundation added the Poultry Science Education Fund under its umbrella in 2004. Any college or university in the United States that offers an identifiable poultry science program is eligible to apply for a grant of up to $7,000.

How the Process Works

Each year, the foundation's board of directors determines the amount to be allocated to schools with poultry science departments. After the amount has been determined, 60 percent of the total is divided equally among the schools. The remaining 40 percent is probated per student graduating that year.

The number of proposals accepted each year for the Poultry Science Education fund grant program varies depending on need and intended use. Funding recommendations are submitted through an established committee to the Foundation board for approval.