2027 USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship

The application period for the 2027 U.S. Pork Center of Excellence Swine Legacy Scholarship is now open through Friday, December 4, 2026! Sponsored by the National Pork Industry Foundation (NPIF), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing research and education within the pork industry, and administered by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), this scholarship supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in the swine industry.

Three $5,000 scholarships are awarded annually to two (2) undergraduate students and one (1) graduate student who intend to pursue a career in the pork industry with hopes that they may emerge as a future pork industry leader.

To be eligible, applicants must:

1. Be a third- or fourth-year undergraduate student or current (applied for acceptance) graduate student or veterinary science student.

2. Be a U.S. citizen.

3. Submit a cover sheet with the following information:

   • Name of applicant

   • Name of school where applicant completed/are currently obtaining their undergraduate degree

   • Name of school where the applicant is a current (or applied for acceptance) graduate or veterinary science student

   • Year in school

   • Contact information (email address, cell phone number, and home and school mailing addresses)

4. A cover letter indicating a clear intent to pursue a career in the swine industry in research, education, veterinary care, extension, swine production management, or related role that seeks to promote the enduring legacy of USPCE

   • Please tell NPIF about yourself. What are your ties to the pork industry?

5. A 750-word essay demonstrating their understanding of a current or future issue impacting the pork industry and how the applicant would address it through their career ambitions

6. Two recommendation letters, one from an academic advisor or faculty member, and one from an industry professional (such as a veterinarian, researcher, or farm manager) who can speak to the applicant’s dedication and potential in the swine industry

Essays will be judged based on clarity and expression, persuasiveness, originality, and relevance to the topic.

Please submit your application either through the online form, email to russelll@nppc.org, or send materials in a single envelope to:

National Pork Producers CouncilATTN: USPCE Swine Legacy ScholarshipP.O. Box 10383Des Moines, IA 50306-9960

Please contact Lucy Russell, NPPC Director of Producer Engagement, with any questions about the scholarship at 515-864-7983 or mckinleyc@nppc.org.

APPLICATION LINK HERE