Did you know that there are as many scholarships for food science majors as there are ingredients in a good thick stew? As the ever-expanding field of food-related work grows to be the nation’s largest occupational sector, earning a degree in food science can be the best preparation for building a successful career in the public, corporate, or government sector of the food industry.
In an engaging interdisciplinary curriculum, food science degrees allow students to delve into learning how foods are created, harvested, manufactured, preserved, and packaged to keep up with consumer demands for nutritious and safe foods. Read on to learn about 25 of the great scholarships available to make your dream career a reality and put you knee deep in the “meat and potatoes” of food science.
1. AACC International Undergraduate Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Ranging in value from $1,000 to $2,000, the AACC International Undergraduate Scholarship Program distributes annual awards to outstanding undergraduate students who are receiving the academic preparation for a career in grain-based food science and technology. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, be entering their junior or senior year, be current AACCI student division members, and maintain full-time enrollment in an accredited institution conducting grain-based food science research.
Contact
AACC International Undergraduate Scholarship
3340 Pilot Knob Road
St. Paul, MN 55121
(651) 454-7250
aacc@scisoc.org
Scholarship Link
2. Clair L. Hicks Food Science Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 31st
Administered through the Community Foundation of Louisville, the Clair L. Hicks Food Science Scholarship Fund provides $1,000 annually to defray the costs of college tuition to undergraduate students who are currently majoring in food science, chemistry, food business, food industry, engineering, or microbiology. Eligible candidates must be Kentucky residents attending Sullivan University, the University of Kentucky, or the University of Louisville in good academic standing for consideration.
Contact
Clair L. Hicks Food Science Scholarship Fund
325 West Main Street Suite 1110
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 585-4649
meredithz@cflouisville.org
3. Denise C. Rooney Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
Within the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), the Denise C. Rooney Scholarship is awarded annually for $1,500 to undergraduate students preparing to enter their senior year in a food science program to pursue a career of research, quality control, teaching, or regulatory work related to food and drug safety. Applicants must have an average GPA of over 3.0, exhibit leadership abilities, and submit two letters of recommendation from faculty members.
Contact
Denise C. Rooney Scholarship
2550 Kingston Road Suite 311
York, PA 17402
(717) 757-2888
afdo@afdo.org
4. Dr. Richard L. Hall Scholarship in Flavor Science
Deadline: April 1st
Sponsored by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) in honor of his 50 years of dedicated service in the flavor industry, the Dr. Richard L. Hall Scholarship in Flavor Science is granted for $2,000 annually to master’s and doctoral students who are pursuing research related to the safety assessment of flavors. Qualified candidates must be enrolled full-time with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in a major for food science or flavor chemistry.
Contact
Dr. Richard L. Hall Scholarship in Flavor Science
1101 17th Street NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 293-5800
jlarkins@ift.org
5. E.H. Marth Food Protection and Food Sciences Scholarship
Deadline: July 1st
In the amount of $3,000 annually, the E.H. Marth Food Protection and Food Sciences Scholarship is awarded by the Wisconsin Association for Food Protection (WAFP) to full-time students in Wisconsin who have completed at least one year in an accredited post-secondary program in dairy science, food science, food microbiology, or environmental sanitation. Applicants must submit an official transcript, a letter of recommendation, proof of financial need, and a list of relevant extra-curricular activities.
Contact
E.H. Marth Food Protection and Food Sciences Scholarship
3834 Ridgeway Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 241-2438
jwick16060@tds.net
6. Elwood Caldwell Scholarship for Volunteer Service
Deadline: February 28th
Within the Minnesota Section of the Institute of Food Technologists (MN-IFT), the Elwood Caldwell Scholarship for Volunteer Service is given for $2,000 annually to an extraordinary graduate student pursuing a degree in food science at North Dakota State University, South Dakota State University, the University of Minnesota, or the University of Wisconsin. Recipients will be chosen based on academic excellence, leadership experience, commitment to the MN-IFT section, and involvement in volunteer service for the betterment of their community.
Contact
Elwood Caldwell Scholarship for Volunteer Service
231 Pillsbury Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(763) 449-3232
wendy_erickson@cargill.com
7. Evan Turek Memorial Scholarship and Internship
Deadline: October 1st
In the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), the Evan Turek Memorial Scholarship and Internship is granted for $1,000 each year to sophomore, junior, or senior-level undergraduate students enrolled full-time in an IFT-approved food science program. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, exhibit exceptional leadership capabilities, and be interested in obtaining internship experience at Kraft Foods Group in developing their career as a food science scientist.
Contact
Evan Turek Memorial Scholarship and Internship
525 West Van Buren Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 782-8424
info@ift.org
Scholarship Link
8. Food Marketing Institute Scholarship Program
Deadline: August 31st
Annually, the Food Marketing Institute Scholarship Program is available for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time in a food science or agriculture major at any accredited U.S. institution with at least junior-level status. In order to qualify for up to $3,000 in funding, candidates must exhibit a passion for the food industry, possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, and agree to attend and participate in the SQF International Conference.
Contact
Food Marketing Institute Scholarship Program
2345 Crystal Drive Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22202
(202) 220-0805
jreynolds@fmi.org
9. General Mills Graduate Scholarship
Deadline: September 15th
Administered through the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), the General Mills Graduate Scholarship is designed to provide a $5,000 award and a 12-week paid internship to two graduate students annually who are enrolled full-time in a food science program leading to a M.S. or Ph.D. degree. Qualified applicants must have interests in quality or research and development, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, have the right to work in the U.S., and showcase exceptional leadership achievements.
Contact
General Mills Graduate Scholarship
525 West Van Buren Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 782-8424
info@ift.org
10. Gerber Foundation Scholarship for Pediatric Nutrition
Deadline: February 1st
The Gerber Foundation Scholarship for Pediatric Nutrition is awarded annually for $1,000 to exemplary graduate students at Michigan State University who are pursuing a degree full-time in dietetics, food science, or nutritional sciences with an emphasis on pediatrics. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, be pursuing a M.S. or Ph.D. degree, and be actively engaged in research relevant to improving pediatric nutrition.
Contact
Gerber Foundation Scholarship for Pediatric Nutrition
4747 West 48th Street Suite 153
Fremont, MI 49412
(231) 924-3175
tgf@ncresa.org
11. GOYA Foods Culinary Arts and Food Sciences Scholarship
Deadline: February 14th
On a competitive basis, the GOYA Foods Culinary Arts and Food Sciences Scholarship is awarded for $5,000 to incoming freshmen who are entering an accredited U.S. four-year institution with a declared major in culinary arts or food sciences. To be eligible, candidates must be legal permanent residents of an approved state, be pursuing their first undergraduate degree, qualify for federal financial aid, and compile at least 10 hours of community service per month of funding.
Contact
GOYA Foods Culinary Arts and Food Sciences Scholarship
100 Seaview Drive
Secaucus, NJ 07096
(201) 348-4900
Scholarship Link
12. Harold P. Dugdale Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
At the University of Missouri, the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources has created the Harold P. Dugdale Scholarship to provide up to $1,000 annually to deserving full-time enrolled graduate students who are currently majoring in the area of meat science. For consideration, students must show high scholastic ability, be planning a career in the beef packing business, and be involved in relevant professional extra-curricular activities.
Contact
Harold P. Dugdale Scholarship
256 WC Stringer Wing, Eckles Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
(573) 882-2610
foodsci@missouri.edu
13. John and Irene Powers Scholarship Award
Deadline: April 1st
Each year, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) presents the John and Irene Powers Scholarship Award for $1,000 to qualified undergraduate students who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in an IFT-approved food science program. Eligible applicants must be student members of the IFT, have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies, have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 or greater, and demonstrate devotion to the food science and technology profession with strong leadership experience.
Contact
John and Irene Powers Scholarship Award
525 West Van Buren Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 782-8424
info@ift.org
14. John Kitt Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 18th
Within the sweet-snacking industry, the American Association of Candy Technologists (AACT) has created the John Kitt Memorial Scholarship to award $5,000 to college sophomore, junior, or senior-level undergraduate students who are pursuing a major in food science, chemistry, or biological science at an accredited four-year institution in North America. Candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, have expressed an interest in confectionery technology, and be involved in an active AACT chapter.
Contact
John Kitt Memorial Scholarship
711 West Water Street
Princeton, WI 54968
(920) 295-6959
aactinfo@gomc.com
15. Kenneth G. Weckel Scholarships
Deadline: May 1st
Named in honor of a food science professor who greatly contributed to the advancement of vegetable and fruit processing in his research, the Kenneth G. Weckel Scholarships are awarded through the Midwest Food Processors Association (MWFPA) to deserving undergraduate students majoring in agriculture or food science at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Platteville, or River Falls. Three scholarships for $1,500 apiece will be available for a total of $4,500 in funding each application session.
Contact
Kenneth G. Weckel Scholarships
4600 American Parkway Suite 210
Madison, WI 53718
(608) 255-9946
nick.george@mwfpa.org
16. Maurice E. Core Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April 15th
In honor of the long-time Executive Director of the National Dairy Shrine, the Maurice E. Core Scholarship Fund has been established to provide $1,000 to current freshman undergraduate students at four-year accredited institutions who are working toward a bachelor’s degree in dairy science, animal science, or food science. Applicants must be planning a career in a dairy-related industry, be involved in volunteer work, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Contact
Maurice E. Core Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 725
Denmark, WI 54208
(920) 863-6333
info@dairyshrine.org
Scholarship Link
17. National Dairy Leadership Scholarship Program
Deadline: Varies
Created by the oldest farm commodity organization in the United States, the National Dairy Leadership Scholarship Program is open to qualified graduate students who are majoring in agriculture communications, animal health, animal/human nutrition, bovine genetics, dairy products processing, dairy science, environmental science, food science, food safety, herd management, or marketing. All applicants must be currently enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program to conduct dairy-related research on the production of milk and dairy beef.
Contact
National Dairy Leadership Scholarship Program
2101 Wilson Blvd. Suite 400
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 243-6111
bbriczinski@nmpf.org
18. National Poultry & Food Distributors Association Scholarships
Deadline: May 31st
With a value of $2,000 each, the National Poultry & Food Distributors Association (NPFDA) will award several scholarships annually to junior or senior-level undergraduate students who are pursuing a degree in agricultural business, food science, poultry science, food marketing, or animal science full-time at a U.S. institution. Candidates must submit a current official transcript, completed application, one-page letter describing career aspirations, and a signed letter of recommendation from a dean or department head.
Contact
National Poultry & Food Distributors Association Scholarships
2014 Osborne Road
Saint Marys, GA 31558
(770) 535-9901
kkm@npfda.org
19. Pennsylvania Dairy Innovation Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
Sponsored by the Center for Dairy Excellence, the Pennsylvania Dairy Innovation Scholarship is presented each year for $1,500 to full-time undergraduate students who are currently enrolled as food science majors in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Pennsylvania State University. Preference will be given to students who have maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0 or better while demonstrating achievement in innovative research work related to the dairy industry.
Contact
Pennsylvania Dairy Innovation Scholarship
2301 North Cameron Street Suite 205
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 346-0849
info@centerfordairyexcellence.org
20. Rocky Mountain IFT Educational Scholarships
Deadline: March 1st
With the goal of supporting future professionals in the food industry, the Rocky Mountain IFT Educational Scholarships will be awarded for $2,000 each to four outstanding undergraduate or graduate students who are pursuing a degree full-time in food science, meat science, nutrition, or another food-related field. Along with the application, students should submit two letters of recommendation, an academic transcript, a current resume, and an outline of career objectives.
Contact
Rocky Mountain IFT Educational Scholarships
940 Koss Street
Erie, CO 80516
(720) 878-3398
becky.kinsinger@microbac.com
Scholarship Link
21. Ruth M. Patrick Endowed Scholarship
Deadline: March 14th
At Louisiana State University, the Ruth M. Patrick Endowed Scholarship is granted through the College of Agriculture annually for $1,000 to full-time undergraduate students in their junior or senior year who are enrolled as food science and technology majors with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Selection will be based on academic performance, participation in the on-campus Food Science Club, internship/work experience, and involvement in volunteer service.
Contact
Ruth M. Patrick Endowed Scholarship
297 Knapp Hall
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
(225) 578-5207
jking@agcenter.lsu.edu
22. Sandi Brooker Scholarship Program
Deadline: April 9th
Established by the School Nutrition Association (SNA) in memory of her positive impact on school food service and commitment to continued higher education, the Sandi Brooker Scholarship Program is designed to provide $1,000 annually to student members pursuing a degree in food science or nutrition at the undergraduate or graduate level. Applicants must have been an active member for at least one year, have a history of employment in school food service, and be dedicated to improving nutrition in school lunch programs.
Contact
Sandi Brooker Scholarship Program
120 Waterfront Street Suite 300
National Harbor, MD 20745
(800) 877-8822
scholarships@schoolnutrition.org
23. SFPA Food Science College Scholarships
Deadline: March 31st
Within the Southeastern Food Processors Association (SFPA), the Food Science College Scholarships are granted annually for $2,000 to two outstanding junior or senior-level undergraduate students majoring in food science at the University of Tennessee, University of Georgia, University of Alabama, Clemson University, Virginia Tech, or North Carolina State University. Applicants must be planning a career in the food industry, have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher, and submit a 750-word essay offering solutions to current industry challenges.
Contact
SFPA Food Science College Scholarships
P.O. Box 620777
Oviedo, FL 32762
(407) 365-5661
anna_ondick@earthlink.net
24. Society of Flavor Chemists Graduate Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Annually, the Society of Flavor Chemists Graduate Scholarship is awarded for $2,000 to students currently enrolled or accepted into an accredited graduate degree program related to the flavor industry with a major in flavor business, chemistry, food science, nutrition, microbiology, biology, or engineering. Candidates are required to attach a transcript, submit a letter of recommendation, write a letter describing why they should be chosen, and compose a personal essay describing future career goals.
Contact
Society of Flavor Chemists Graduate Scholarship
3301 Route 66 Suite 205
Neptune, NJ 07753
(732) 922-3393
administrator@flavorchemist.org
25. Virginia Valk Fehsenfeld Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
As part of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF), the Virginia Valk Fehsenfeld Scholarship is given to an outstanding full-time undergraduate student for up to $2,000 to defray the costs of pursuing a degree in dietetics, nutrition, food science, education, or human services at an accredited U.S. institution. To qualify, applicants must have financial need, be a legal resident of Kent County in Michigan, and have earned a minimum GPA of 3.4 or higher.
Contact
Virginia Valk Fehsenfeld Scholarship
185 Oakes Street SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 454-1751
grfound@grfoundation.org
Scholarship Link
Since more funding has been put towards studies in sustainability, nutrition, and health over the last decade to combat our nation’s growing obesity epidemic, there are abundant financial aid opportunities available for students seeking to explore improved methods of cultivation, processing, packaging, testing, and marketing. Therefore, make sure you check out these excellent scholarships for food science majors to enter the booming field without accumulating heaps of student loan debt before graduation.