Real Pork Scholars
Real Pork Scholars is a professional executive mentorship program for graduate students that is designed to leave a lasting impact on participants and the U.S. pork industry.
Grounded in research and driven by professional relationships, experience as a Real Pork Scholar will launch students into the next phase of their careers. The program offers students:
- mentorship
- peer-to-peer network building
- professional training
- funding for relevant research
At the same time, the U.S. pork industry will gain enhanced insights by filling research gaps and building strong connections with emerging thought leaders.
Applications due: April 14, 2023, 5 p.m. CT
Selected scholars will be notified on May 1 with agreements signed by June 1.
Program Objectives
The Real Pork Scholars Program is a prestigious cohort-based program designed to build capacity for research and communication in the next generation of leaders for the U.S. pork industry. The program seeks to identify outstanding students pursuing graduate-level study who will have the capacity to deeply engage in value-add experiences while conducting academic work to positively influence the U.S. pork industry.
Academic excellence is an important criterion, as is the applicant’s ability to think critically, engage with a multi-disciplinary cohort of colleagues, and transfer learning to action with enhanced communications advocacy and media skills.
Students selected as Real Pork Scholars may receive up to $60,000 over the maximum of two years in the program ($30,000 annually for two years with satisfactory participation). These funds will support three objectives.
1. Relevant Research
Students selected for funding will conduct research that is relevant to the pork industry and aligns with the risks and opportunities identified by the National Pork Board (NPB).
Emphasis is placed on scientific research to address gaps in consumer understanding of pork and pork production related to the industry’s We Care® Ethical Principles:
- Environment
- Public Health
- Community
- Animal Welfare
- Food Safety
- People
2. Communications Advocacy
Scholars will receive professional communications training from NPB and collaborating partners and agree to serve as strong advocates for the pork industry in their areas of focus after graduation.
3. Network Building
Scholars will participate in a robust mentorship program and relationship-building effort with industry leaders (e.g., producers, allied industry, processors, channel, etc.) that have a background or role that correlates to the student’s area of focus within their advanced degree program.
Scholars will also engage as a cohort in NPB-hosted experiences at pork industry events and activities twice a year minimum.
Statement of Support from Major Professor or Academic Advisor
NPB views the partnership between the applicant and their major professor or academic advisor as critical to their successful participation as a Real Pork Scholar. We ask for your candid assessment of the applicant in a statement of support.
Instructions for Major Professor or Academic Advisor
Please provide a written statement on institution letterhead to the applicant for submission. Include the following:
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- Describe the applicant. What skills or experiences does the applicant bring to your program? How does their background and/or career aspirations contribute to a positive future for the U.S. pork industry?
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- Address the applicant’s current or proposed academic work. What is the feasibility of the proposed project or work? What is the connection of the academic work to pork industry risks and opportunities?
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- Provide your evaluation of the applicant. What is your assessment of the applicant’s ability to successfully meet the requirements of the Real Pork Scholars program and meet the rigor of their academic program?
Also, please provide your CV/resume to the applicant to upload with their application packet.
FAQs
Expand All
- Who is eligible?
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Students pursuing graduate study in accredited M.S., Ph.D., J.D., or DVM-Ph.D. programs are eligible to apply. Areas of study may include, but are not limited to:
- Ag Communications
- Ag Law
- Agricultural Economics
- Animal Science (Genetics, Nutrition, Reproduction, Meat Science, Animal Welfare)
- Biosystems
- Business Analytics
- Computer Science / Engineering
- Data Science
- Dietetics / Human Nutrition
- Economics
- Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Feed Science and Management
- General Science
- Human Resources
- Materials Science
- Math/Statistics / Bio-Statistics
- Public Health / Pharmacology / Microbiology
- Veterinary Science
Academic excellence is an important criterion, as is the applicant’s ability to think critically, engage with a multi-disciplinary cohort of colleagues, and transfer learning to action with enhanced communications advocacy and media skills.
NPB views the partnership between the applicant and their major professor/academic advisor as critical to their successful participation as a Real Pork Scholar.
NPB seeks and encourages the participation of people from traditionally underrepresented audiences.
- What research topics will the program address?
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Students selected for funding will conduct research that is relevant to the pork industry and aligns with the risks and opportunities identified by the NPB.
Research topics may cover a wide variety of areas.
- Emphasis is placed on scientific research to address gaps in consumer understanding of pork and pork production based on the We Care® Ethical Principles. Emphasis is also placed on research that helps answer common questions from consumers, such as:
- Does pork come from real farms or factories?
- Is pork healthy and safe?
- Do pigs have space and are they treated well?
- What does raising pork mean for the environment?
- How does raising pork impact our society?
- Areas of priority include, but are not limited to: sustainability, air quality, water quality, public health, economic value, human nutrition, health outcomes.
- Emphasis is placed on scientific research to address gaps in consumer understanding of pork and pork production based on the We Care® Ethical Principles. Emphasis is also placed on research that helps answer common questions from consumers, such as:
- How long does the program last?
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The two-year program will include a consistent focus on the scholar’s research project, as well as the following:
Year One: Industry mentorship
Real Pork Scholars will be assigned an industry mentor by NPB based on the scholar’s interests and career aspirations. Intentional mentoring will be delivered through monthly sessions that may be virtual or in-person.Year One & Two: Industry tours and events
Industry exposure opportunities will be scheduled on a bi-annual basis to provide scholars the chance to explore various aspects of the U.S. pork industry.Year Two: Communication advocacy
Real Pork Scholars will participate in training for enhanced communication and media skills. Training will be delivered by the Real Pork Consortium through virtual and in-person sessions. - How is the funding provided?
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Real Pork Scholars may receive up to $60,000 over the maximum of two years in the program ($30,000 annually for two years with satisfactory participation). The funds are designated to support the student’s research agenda that is focused on relevant U.S. pork industry risks and opportunities as defined by NPB.
- Funding is capped at $30,000 annually for two years ($60,000 total per Real Pork Scholar).
- Each award is intended to support a single student.
- Student awards will be for a maximum of two years and can be used for graduate-level study at an accredited M.S., Ph.D., J.D., or DVM-Ph.D. program.
- Second-year funding is contingent upon satisfactory participation in year one. Scholars will submit a progress report at the end of the first year.
- Additional tuition and stipend costs above the limit of each fellowship are the responsibility of the successful student, faculty member, and the university.
- What is the application process timeline?
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The 2023 application timeline is as follows:
- March 20 — Application available
- April 14 — All application materials must be submitted by 5 p.m. CT
- May 1 — Applicants will be notified
- June 1 — Real Pork Scholars Program agreements submitted
- Fall 2023 — Year one funding distributed to Real Pork Scholars Program institutions
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of NPB staff and U.S. pork producers.
- Do students or faculty members complete the application?
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The application is completed by the graduate student.
NPB views the partnership between the applicant and their major professor/academic advisor as critical to their successful participation as a Real Pork Scholar.
Major professors/academic advisors are required to provide a statement of support, as well as their CV or resume.
Two letters of recommendation are also required and may be provided by a current or former professor, professional mentor or industry professional.
To be considered, applicants must submit all materials by the due date.
- What if I have more questions?
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Questions may be directed to Chelsey Van Genderen, NPB’s manager of industry relations at grants@pork.org or 515-223-2641.
Ready to Apply?
Get Started
Click here to open the application in a web browser.
1. Fill in your application. Click into the fields and type your information. (Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge work best)
2. Save your completed application to your PC.
3. Six documents are required for your application.
- Completed student application form
- CV/resume for applicant
- Statement of support from major professor/academic advisor (instructions above)
- CV/resume for major professor/academic advisor
- Two letters of recommendation: these can come from a current or former professor, professional mentor, or an industry professional.
4. When your application and other documents are ready, complete this form to submit your application.
Applications due: April 14, 2023, 5 p.m. CT
Selected scholars will be notified on May 1 with agreements signed by June 1.
