$15,500 OF SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO PORK INDUSTRY YOUTH

Mar 14, 2011  |  Today's News

The Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and the IL Purebred Swine Council have $15,500 of scholarships available to pork industry youth.  There are two scholarship programs available to students who will be enrolled in college in the Fall of 2011 – IPPA Scholarships and Ryan & Friends Scholarships. The deadline for applications of both scholarships is April 1, 2011.

“These scholarship programs are an excellent way to reward those students who have been involved in the pork industry through various youth activities,” said Mike Borgic, IPPA Director of Membership & Outreach. “IPPA nearly doubled the amount of scholarship dollars available this year as a way of assisting pork producer families in paying the rising costs of college.”

IPPA changed the scholarship amounts for the 2011 program and beyond making the total amount of scholarships awarded $13,500. These dollars will be awarded to a total of nine students through the IPPA Scholarship program as follows: Three Gold Scholarships at $2,000 each; Three Silver Scholarships at $1,500 each; Three Bronze Scholarships at $1,000 each. Funding for these scholarships is made possible through the Keppy Foundation.

Applicants must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or be enrolling to begin in the Fall of 2011 to be eligible. IPPA Scholarships are open to students pursuing any undergraduate degree at any two-year or four-year college. Also new this year, previous winners may apply for any scholarship level. Applicants must submit a completed application form, transcripts; and a list of activities. In addition applicants must submit a typed essay identifying how the pork industry has positively influenced their life.

The Illinois Purebred Swine Council is again sponsoring the Ryan & Friends Scholarship. This scholarship will award a total of four - $500 scholarships. Applicants must be attending a university, college, or community college for the 2011 Fall semester. Applicants must also have been a 4-H or FFA member.

Students applying for the Ryan and Friends Scholarship must complete an application form and a typed essay identifying the reason they want to pursue a career in production agriculture, as well as provide transcripts, list of achievements & activities, and statement of financial need. Top applicants will be called in for interviews by the Ryan & Friends Scholarship committee.

For more information or an application visit www.ilpork.com or contact the IPPA office at (217) 529-3100.