FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas and the University of Arkansas Foundation recently received a $100,000 gift from Tyson Foods to help transfer students pursuing poultry science degrees through the school’s 3+1 Poultry Science Transfer Program.
According to the university, the scholarship provides targeted financial assistance for students entering their final year in the poultry science program within the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. The 3+1 program has been available for some time now, but this investment from Tyson Foods marks a phase of new growth, reach and long-term workforce impact for the program.
“This gift will help more students earn degrees that prepare them for success in industries that are vital to Arkansas’ economy,” University of Arkansas Chancellor Charles Robinson told the school. “We are grateful for Tyson Foods’ continued partnership in expanding opportunity and strengthening our state’s workforce.”
The 3+1 Poultry Science Transfer Program is set up so that students who complete their fundamental coursework at a partner university in animal science can then transfer to U of A to complete their final year of degree requirements. Current partner institutions include Arkansas State University, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and Missouri State University, the university noted.
By allowing students to start their education process closer to home, this program model reduces educational costs and provides a seamless transition into Arkansas’ advanced poultry science coursework and hands-on learning style.
“This investment directly supports students at a pivotal moment as they complete their degree and prepare to enter Arkansas’ poultry and food industries,” Donna Graham, U of A director of industry and community engagement, told the university. “It strengthens the connection between education, workforce readiness and economic opportunity across our state.”
David Caldwell, U of A head of the Department of Poultry Science and director of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, emphasized the importance of the 3+1 model and the university’s transfer partnerships in meeting industry needs.
“There is often significant interest in these 3+1 dual degree programs among students at our partner institutions due to the diverse career opportunities that exist in the commercial poultry industry,” Caldwell added. “Unfortunately, some interested students also face financial barriers that prohibit them from participating. This support from Tyson Foods should alleviate these financial concerns and enable us to develop robust enrollment in these programs. Doing so would help us better meet industry stakeholder employment needs.”
The gift from Tyson is designed to help eligible students with tuition and any additional educational expenses during their final year. Additionally, a portion of the funding will support recruitment and outreach efforts to raise awareness of the 3+1 pathway among prospective transfer students, the university noted.
“Removing barriers for the next generation of leaders in agriculture is a key component in a resilient food system and is a critical focus for Tyson Foods,” Tim Grailer, Tyson Foods senior director of community impact, said. “Investing in our young people to not only meet future demand but do so with an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset through the 3+1 program will lay a strong foundation for the agriculture sector to continue to nourish communities around the world.”
“This investment connects directly to one of Arkansas’ most important workforce needs,” Scott Varady, Arkansas vice chancellor for advancement, said. “We’re grateful to Tyson Foods for backing students at a pivotal point in their path and helping ensure more talent from across the state finishes strong and is ready to make an impact on day one.”
Other university leaders have said that the added support will help attract and retain talented students from rural and underserved communities who see poultry science as a pathway to high demand careers.
For more information about the 3+1 Poultry Science Transfer Program, visit https://poultry-science.uark.edu/.
