The USPOULTRY Foundation has awarded a $6,280 student recruiting grant to the University of Delaware (UD). As a land-grant, four-year institution, UD integrates poultry science as a core component of both its undergraduate and graduate programs through the Department of Animal and Food Sciences. With strong academic and research foundations, the university continues to play an important role in preparing future professionals for careers in the poultry and animal agriculture industries.

Poultry science concepts are deeply embedded throughout UD’s curriculum. Eight faculty members with expertise in poultry science teach across the program, incorporating poultry-related content into a wide range of courses such as animal handling, nutrition, physiology, immunology, diseases and behavior, functional anatomy, animal and human culture and environmental management. In total, 25 courses include poultry-specific components, providing students with extensive exposure to poultry production, health and research.

Grant funds from the USPOULTRY Foundation will support a variety of recruitment and outreach initiatives aimed at engaging prospective students and strengthening awareness of poultry-related academic and career opportunities. Planned activities include undergraduate recruitment and outreach events, the Animal Agriculture Careers Seminar Series, poultry industry introduction field days, participation in the Northeast Student Affiliate competition, and involvement in UD’s Blue and Gold Open House Days and Decision Days. Additionally, funds will help support student participation in the university’s presence at the Delaware State Fair.

This grant is part of the USPOULTRY Foundation’s broader commitment to workforce development. In total, the Foundation board approved $331,292 in student recruiting grants to 27 colleges and universities across the U.S. with poultry science or industry-related programs. These annual funds help institutions attract and retain students in poultry studies and are made possible through contributions from companies, individuals and families, as well as proceeds from the International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production and Processing Expo.