2026 USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship

The application period for the 2026 USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship will open from November 3, 2025 and remain open through December 1, 2025! 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 is available to 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 Council
ATTN: USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship
P.O. Box 10383
Des Moines, IA 50306-9960

 

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

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If your current or former professor or industry professional would rather submit their letter of reference directly to NPPC, please have them email it to russelll@nppc.org with “USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship” and your name in the subject line.
Accepted file types: doc, pdf, docx, dotx, dot, Max. file size: 600 MB.
If your current or former professor or industry professional would rather submit their letter of reference directly to NPPC, please have them email it to russelll@nppc.org with “USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship” and your name in the subject line.

USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship

Since 2005, the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence (USPCE) has united universities, industry, and government to advance research, education, and innovation in pork production. Building on this mission, the USPCE created the Swine Legacy Scholarship to invest in the next generation of leaders.

Funded through a dedicated endowment, these scholarships support two undergraduate students and one graduate or professional student pursuing careers in swine health, management, research, veterinary science, and education. Designed to recognize commitment and encourage excellence, the program seeks students who show academic promise and a passion for strengthening the pork industry.

By fostering future professionals the USPCE ensures continued progress in sustainability, innovation, and excellence for pork producers nationwide. The Swine Legacy Scholarship represents a lasting commitment to nurturing talent that will drive the industry forward.

— The National Pork Industry Foundation Board