The USPOULTRY Foundation awarded a $7,000 student recruiting grant to Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Sam Houston State University’s agriculture program engages in student recruitment, retention, promotion and support, both on and off campus. High school students and community college transfers are well-served in this program, showing higher retention rates than average, and students emerge from the university prepared for a variety of roles within the poultry and allied industry. A strong internship program helps to equip graduates with the work ethic and soft skills needed, combined with an academic background that bridges application and specific knowledge.

The grant funds will be used in one of four areas: Saturday@Sam, ExCEL@Sam youth outreach, secondary education outreach, and career and education promotion activities. These events offer recruiting opportunities for high school students and community college transfers. Additionally, their Ag Ambassadors attend the state FFA convention and state agriculture teachers conference, as well as host 4-H youth for the Prestige Leadership Camp.

The USPOULTRY Foundation board approved student recruiting grants totaling $297,580 to 26 colleges and universities across the United States with a poultry science department or industry-related degree program. The USPOULTRY Foundation provides annual recruiting funds to colleges and universities to attract students to their poultry programs. The grants are made possible by gifts to the Foundation from companies, individuals and families, in addition to funds earned over the years at the International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production & Processing Expo.

About USPOULTRY Foundation
The USPOULTRY Foundation's mission is to support the recruitment and training of the brightest students, seek and fund scientific research, foster student scientists and promote careers in the poultry and egg industry.