2023 Scholarship Information

A total of approximately $175,000 will be awarded in 2023 from the applications that are submitted. Scholarship amounts will be based on the program in which the student is enrolled:

$1000 for 2 Year Programs
$2000 for 4 Year Programs
$3000 for Graduate and Veterinary Programs

Applicant must be accepted or enrolled in a College of Agriculture which offers courses in food animal production.

Applicant must be enrolled in classes effective September 1, 2023.

Applicant must have a strong desire to pursue a career, upon graduation, in some aspect of food animal production.

Preference will be given to students who attend schools in regions where fundraising events were held. The preference regions for 2023 awards are Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Additional consideration will be given to students who previously attended a Targeting Excellence event.

For 2023, Targeting Excellence is requiring all applicants to answer the following essay question:

1. The US Supreme Court is slated to make a decision on whether it will hear arguments for/against California Prop 12 in the coming weeks.  This is an amendment to the constitution of California that attempts to impose arbitrary welfare requirements about  how food animal products that come into California are produced in other states.  It is being challenged in federal court based on the argument that it violates the Commerce clause of the US Constitution. Even though this legislation is specifically about swine production, what will be the likely impact on all food animal production in the US?    What is one argument you would make for your position if you were presenting your case to the Supreme Court?  

Students have the option of submitting a written response (max 750 words) or a video response (max 5min in length; max 100mb file)

In addition to submitting one of the essays above each applicant must also submit a written personal statement of career goals (max 500 words).

• You will need the first name, last name, email address, and either university or company name for 2 references to include on your application. 1 reference must be one of your food animal agriculture professors and the other reference can either be another professor or an industry professional. You will not be able to submit your application without including this information. You do not need a reference letter prior to submitting your application. References will not be contacted unless there is a question about your qualifications to receive a Targeting Excellence scholarship.
• A digital copy of your official transcripts or unofficial transcripts. If official or unofficial transcripts are not available a screen shot of your student portal showing GPA, Test Scores, and other key enrollment information is allowed. Any documentation you submit should clearly show your name and school. Ideally the documentation should also include a date on it.
• A digital copy of applicant’s resume if he or she wishes to submit it as part of the application (optional).
• Applicant may submit 1 additional supporting document/file (optional). Applicant may not use this option to submit the essays for the application. The only essays considered for the application are the ones included in the essay fields/boxes on the application.