Tyson Foods Funds U of A 3+1 Poultry Scholarship Program

The University of Arkansas and the University of Arkansas Foundation have received a $100,000 gift from Tyson Foods Inc. to support transfer students pursuing poultry science degrees through the university’s 3+1 Poultry Science Transfer Program.

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. While the 3+1 transfer pathway has been in place for several years, Tyson Foods’ dedicated support marks a significant new era in the program’s growth, reach and long-term workforce impact.

The 3+1 Poultry Science Transfer Program is designed for students who complete their foundational coursework in animal science at partner institutions before transferring to the U of A for 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 3+1 model enables students to begin their studies closer to home, reduce their overall educational expenses and transition seamlessly into advanced poultry science coursework and hands-on learning that aligns with workforce needs in Arkansas’ poultry and food sectors.

“This gift will help more students earn degrees that prepare them for success in industries that are vital to Arkansas’ economy,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “We are grateful for Tyson Foods' continued partnership in expanding opportunity and strengthening our state's workforce."

“This investment directly supports students at a pivotal moment as they complete their degree and prepare to enter Arkansas’ poultry and food industries,” said Donna Graham, director of industry and community engagement at the U of A. “It strengthens the connection between education, workforce readiness and economic opportunity across our state.”

David Caldwell, 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. He noted that the new scholarship support will broaden student access, strengthen pathways for transfer success and further enhance workforce preparation across Arkansas’ poultry sector.

“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 said. “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 Tyson gift is structured to assist eligible students with tuition and related educational expenses during their final year, which is often the most financially challenging stage of degree completion. A portion of the funding will also support recruitment and outreach efforts to raise awareness of the 3+1 pathway among prospective transfer students.

"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,” said Tim Grailer, senior director of community impact at Tyson Foods. “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," said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. "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.”

By expanding the scholarship component of the 3+1 program, Tyson Foods is providing an opportunity for students to complete their degrees at Arkansas’ flagship research institution. University leaders say 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.

The 3+1 Poultry Science Transfer Program reinforces a collaborative approach among higher education partners and industry leaders to meet workforce needs in one of Arkansas’ most critical economic sectors. The new Tyson supported scholarship is expected to increase access, improve degree completion rates and strengthen the state’s poultry workforce for years to come.

For more information about the 3+1 Poultry Science Transfer Program, visit poultry-science.uark.edu.

About University Advancement: University Advancement advances the mission of the University of Arkansas by raising private gift support from alumni, friends, parents, foundations, corporations, and other institutional supporters. Working in philanthropic partnership with academic leaders and volunteers, Advancement team members are determined to advance the people, work, and impact of the greater whole at the University of Arkansas.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy  through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.