Michigan Pork Industry Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Michigan Pork Producers Association
Intro
The Michigan Pork Producers Association (MPPA) offers annual scholarships to students preparing for careers that support the pork and broader agricultural industries. These awards support study in fields such as agricultural business, education, engineering, agronomy, animal science and physiology, environmental sciences, nutrition, livestock reproduction, large animal veterinary medicine, and related areas. Direct questions to Emily Schmitt at schmitt@mipork.org.
Purpose
MPPA’s scholarship program exists to encourage and assist young people pursuing postsecondary education in disciplines that contribute to the pork industry and agricultural community.
Who is eligible
- Applicants must be either current high school seniors planning to begin undergraduate study at a two- or four-year institution, or enrolled college students with freshman, sophomore, or junior class standing. Students who are college seniors and graduating in the year the award is given are not eligible.
- Applicants must be Michigan residents (attendance at an out-of-state college is permitted).
- Neither applicants nor their families are required to be MPPA members or actively raising pigs, but applicants should show a clear interest in the pork industry’s future.
- A candidate may apply and receive scholarships more than once; however, the top scholarship may be awarded to any individual only one time.
Application and selection process
- Complete and submit the required application form to the MPPA office by January 30, 2026.
- A panel of judges selected by MPPA will review applications and choose the recipients.
- Scholarship winners will be announced on February 25, 2026 during the Michigan Pork Symposium at the Sheraton Hotel in Grand Rapids, MI.
Awards and expectations
- MPPA will distribute a total of $6,000 in scholarship funds, allocated at the judges’ discretion as follows: $3,000 to the first-place recipient, $2,000 to a second recipient, and $1,000 to a third recipient.
- Scholarship applicants are invited to attend the Michigan Pork Producers Symposium on February 25, 2026; winners will be revealed at the luncheon starting at 11:00 a.m. at the Sheraton in Grand Rapids.
- At MPPA’s discretion, scholarship recipients may be asked to participate in association activities such as serving on a planning committee, attending legislative conferences, trade shows, and conventions, and acting as goodwill ambassadors to youth groups, special-interest organizations, and the public.
- Recipients may also be considered for internship opportunities with the state association.
Key dates
- Application deadline: January 30, 2026.
- Winners announced: February 25, 2026 (Michigan Pork Symposium luncheon, 11:00 a.m., Sheraton Hotel, Grand Rapids, MI).
Contact
Email questions to Emily Schmitt: schmitt@mipork.org.