The USPOULTRY Foundation has awarded a $7,000 student recruiting grant to Cleveland Community College (CCC) in Shelby, N.C. CCC recently completed its third successful year offering applied animal science courses, serving students in the agriculturally rich foothills of North Carolina. The College’s Applied Animal Science program is available as a one-year diploma, a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree, or a short-term certificate, providing students with multiple pathways to gain the knowledge and skills needed for careers in the poultry and livestock industries.

CCC continues to expand hands-on learning opportunities, recently acquiring a historic barn and securing external funding to rehabilitate the facility for small-scale livestock demonstrations. The program also maintains strong industry engagement, hosting field trips and collaborative events with Case Farms, the Farm Bureau, 4-H and Cooperative Extension poultry agents. These activities typically attract 15–30 students and include participation from key partners such as N.C. Farm Link and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency, helping students build meaningful connections with potential employers.

Student involvement is also on the rise, highlighted by a steady increase in Poultry Science Club membership. The program’s impact extends beyond campus, with graduates securing positions at Case Farms, Cooperative Extension and other agriculture-focused organizations. Several students have continued their education at major institutions, including NC State University and North Carolina A&T State University. During the 2024–25 academic year alone, the program celebrated 17 graduates.

The USPOULTRY Foundation grant will further strengthen CCC’s recruitment and outreach efforts. Funds will support middle and high school visits, classroom presentations, and participation in career fairs, as well as the development of recruitment materials. The grant will also help sponsor mock poultry judging clinics, Animal Science Days, agritourism events, field trips and additional poultry and egg industry activities designed to spark student interest in agricultural careers. These initiatives will continue bolstering the pipeline of future professionals entering North Carolina’s poultry and egg industries.

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 & Processing Expo.