Scholarships 

The Feeding Tomorrow Fund awards annual scholarships to students pursuing an undergraduate degree in a variety of disciplines within the science of food. Please see the list of available scholarships below and remember to verify your eligibility and review the application requirements.

General Eligibility: 

• Applicant must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent)
• Applicant must plan to enroll as a full-time freshman student pursuing an undergraduate degree in science of food at a U.S. or international university for the 2024-2025 academic year

First-Year Scholarships open January 5, 2024, and will close on February 26, 2024.

• Feeding Tomorrow Fund Freshman Scholarships, Multiple Awards, $1,500 each.
  • Students must be enrolled in an IFT-approved undergraduate program to be eligible for an undergraduate Feeding Tomorrow scholarship.
• Feeding Tomorrow Fund Gateway Scholarship Program, Multiple Awards, $1,500 each.
  • Students must not be enrolled in an IFT-approved undergraduate program to be eligible for an undergraduate Feeding Tomorrow scholarship. Any program not listed on the IFT-approved program list will be considered acceptable. All other general eligibility criteria will apply.

Learn more and apply

The Feeding Tomorrow Fund awards annual scholarships to students pursuing an undergraduate degree in a variety of disciplines within the science of food. Please see the list of available scholarships below and remember to verify your eligibility and review the application requirements. Most awards are $1,500; the highest-ranking Feeding Tomorrow Fund General Scholarship Award recipient will receive $5,000.

• This new scholarship is for students NOT enrolled in an IFT-approved undergraduate program. See all eligibility below..

General Eligibility: 

• Applicant must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent)
• Applicant must plan to enroll full-time or part-time as a rising sophomore, junior, or senior student pursuing an undergraduate degree in science of food at an U.S. or international university for the 2024-2025 academic year
• Applicant must demonstrate commitment in the science of food profession, such as, but not limited to an IFT membership.
• Specific scholarships may also have other eligibility based on focus or topic area
• With the exception of the Gateway Scholarship Program, applicants must be enrolled in an IFT-approved undergraduate program to be eligible for an undergraduate Feeding Tomorrow Fund scholarship.

Undergraduate Scholarships open January 5, 2024, and will close on February 26, 2024.

• IFT Food Engineering Division Scholarship
  • One award of $1,500 will be granted.
  • This scholarship will go to an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in the science of food focusing on any aspect of food process engineering.
• IFT Sensory and Consumer Science Division Scholarship
  • One award of $1,500 will be granted. The recipient must be pursuing a degree of food science, psychology, neuroscience, statistics, or data science and demonstrate commitment to sensory and/or consumer science.
• Institute for Thermal Processing Specialists – Irving Pflug Memorial Scholarship
  • One award of $1,500 will be granted.
  • Recipient must be studying food science, food engineering, or food microbiology as it relates to food preservation.
• Edlong Scholarship
  • One award of $1,500 will be granted.
  • Recipient must be a rising junior or senior. This scholarship is intended for a student who is pursuing a degree in food science with an emphasis on dairy flavors and/or dairy science.
• Barbara B. Keenan Scholarship
  • One award of $1,500 will be granted.
• McCormick & Company Scholarship
  • One award of $2,000 will be granted.
• Evan Turek Memorial Scholarship
  • Two awards of $1,500 each will be granted.
  • The recipient must be studying food science, nutrition, bio/agricultural engineering, biochemistry, chemical engineering, dairy science, food chemistry, food engineering, food packaging, non-thermal processing or a related discipline.
• Dr. Ann C. Hollingsworth Student Leadership Scholarship
  • One award of $1,500 will be granted.
  • The recipient must be a student leader who has demonstrated outstanding leadership at their university and the IFT student association and a passion for student advocacy, IFT, and their chosen profession.
• Feeding Tomorrow Fund General Undergraduate Scholarship (multiple awards); each award is $1,500 with the following exception: one award of $5,000 will be granted to the top-ranked candidate.
  • Nine awards of $1,500 each will be granted and one award of $5,000 will be granted to the top-ranking student.
  • New in 2023 – Awards now available for students demonstrating financial need (3 awards); students transferring from a community college (4 awards): students who are first-generation to attend college (4 awards); and international students (4 awards); each award is $2,000.
• Feeding Tomorrow Fund Gateway Scholarship (multiple awards) – for applicants NOT enrolled in a HERB-approved university.
  • The recipient must attend a university or college not included in the IFT-Approved school list.
  • 10 awards of $1,500 each will be granted.
  • Since 2023 – Scholarship awards will be granted from the Feeding Tomorrow Fund to students with the greatest financial need; students transferring from a community college; students who are first-generation to attend college; and international students; multiple awards available for each category and are $2,000 each).

Learn more and apply

PepsiCo and IFT Academic and Travel Undergraduate Hybrid Scholarship

IFT is proud to partner with PepsiCo to offer this unique scholarship opportunity for an undergraduate student. The recipient of this scholarship will receive a $5,000 academic scholarship and a $1,000 scholarship to help with the travel expenses of attending IFT FIRST. IFT FIRST is an experience that will bring the global science of food community together to solve food-centric challenges and spark innovation to benefit the global population for years to come.

General Eligibility:

• Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent).
• Applicant must plan to enroll full-time or part-time as a rising sophomore, junior, or senior student pursuing an undergraduate degree in science of food at a U.S. or international university for the 2024–2025 academic year.
• Applicant must demonstrate commitment in the science of food profession, such as, but not limited to, an IFT membership.
• Recipients will need to submit a written testimonial regarding their experience at IFT FIRST and as well as a thank you letter to PepsiCo.
• Recipients will be required to submit a W-9 form if a U.S. Domestic student and possibly a W8BEN for non-US based students.
• The recipient must participate in and have responsibilities during the “Meet and Greet” networking sessions at the Pepsi-Co Student Lounge at IFT FIRST on July 15, 16, &17, 2024.

Learn more and apply

The Feeding Tomorrow Fund awards annual scholarships to students pursuing a graduate degree in a variety of disciplines within the science of food. Please see the list of available scholarships below and remember to verify your eligibility and review the application requirements. The applicant’s school of enrollment can be any educational institution conducting fundamental investigations for the advancement of food science and food technology, unless there are stated exceptions of scholarship criteria for sponsored scholarships. Most awards are $2,000; the highest-ranking Feeding Tomorrow Fund General Scholarship award will be granted $5,000.

General Eligibility:

• Applicant must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent)
• Applicant must plan to enroll full-time or part-time as an MS or PhD student pursuing a degree in science of food at an accredited or bona fide college or university for the 2024-2025 academic year. Colleges/universities outside the U.S. are considered bona fide if they have a student population, a defined curriculum, faculty, and campus.
• Demonstrate commitment in the science of food profession, such as, but not limited to an IFT membership
• Specific scholarships may also have other eligibility based on focus or topic area

Graduate Scholarships open January 5, 2024, and will close on February 26, 2024.

• IFT Sensory and Consumer Sciences Division Silver Celebration PhD Degree Scholarship
  • One award of $5,000 will be granted.
  • The recipient must be a PhD student conducting research focused on food sensory and consumer science.
• IFT Sensory and Consumer Sciences Division Silver Celebration MS Scholarship
  • One award of $2,000 will be granted.
  • The recipient must be a first or second-year graduate student pursuing an MS in sensory and consumer science.
• Mike Jimenez Scholarship Sponsored by the IFT International Division
  • One award of $2,000 will be granted.
  • The recipient must be a graduate student (MS or PhD) studying food science, with a focus in food security, global development, or nutrition in the developing world.
• Dr. Richard L. Hall Scholarship in Flavor Science
  • Two awards of $2,000 each will be granted.
  • Recipient must be an MS or PhD student whose research is in the area of the safety assessment of flavors.
• Edlong Scholarship
  • One award of $2,000 will be granted.
  • The recipient must be pursuing an MS or PhD degree in food science with an emphasis on dairy flavors and/or dairy science.
• Gerber Foundation Endowment in Pediatric Nutrition
  • Two awards of $3,000 each will be granted.
  • The recipient must be pursuing an MS or PhD degree in food science with an interest in pediatric nutrition.
• Institute for Thermal Processing Specialists PhD Degree Scholarship
  • One award of $2,000 will be granted.
  • The recipient must be a Ph.D. student studying food science, food engineering, or food microbiology as it relates to food preservation.
• Institute for Thermal Processing Specialists MS Degree Scholarship
  • One award of $2,000 will be granted.
  • The recipient must be pursuing an MS degree studying food science, food engineering, or food microbiology as it relates to food preservation.
• The Feeding Tomorrow Fund General Graduate Scholarship (multiple awards) 
  • Since 2023 – Scholarship awards will be granted from the Feeding Tomorrow Fund to graduate students with the greatest financial need; multiple awards available at $3,000 each.

Learn more and apply

A long-standing IFT member, Dr. Caldwell believed strongly that Feeding Tomorrow serves a valuable purpose and its support to the student of the science of food should be encouraged and fostered so he committed to endorsing a full graduate fellowship. This fellowship will commemorate his memory by providing a valuable stipend to a graduate student pursuing research in the area of Food Science and Technology.

As a member of the Chicago Section of IFT, Elwood established the Tanner Lectureship, which brings scientific speakers to the section. With the Minnesota Section of IFT, he was responsible for the beginning and subsequent growth of Minnesota’s Suppliers Night with over 250 exhibitors. Elwood also chaired (and raised the initial funding for) the establishment of Minnesota’s Macy Award, which recognizes an outstanding example of food technology transfer or cooperation between scientists in academic, government and private industry.

Caldwell was the first recipient of the CSIFT Chairman’s Service Award, and in 1988 a recipient of a similar award from the Minnesota Section. He was a Fellow of IFT and, in 1991, was the recipient of the Calvert L. Willey award for distinguished service to the Institute.

Feeding Tomorrow Goal: Implement and execute initial Elwood Caldwell graduate fellowship application and selection process to align with future needs and demands of the global food system (with minimum of 20 applications) by June 2021.

Fellowship Details

• The fellowship will be a one-year fellowship (12 months) and will be awarded annually.
• The fellowship will be distributed under the donor’s name, Elwood Caldwell, and the recipient of the fellowship shall be known as an Elwood Caldwell Fellow.
• The amount of the fellowship will be equal to 110% of the amount most commonly being paid to research assistants at the University of Minnesota as a cash stipend for part time services. For 2022-2023 this amount is $25,349.
• The fellowship does not include allowance for the cost of fringe benefits, tuition waiver, or other expenses. The fellowship shall be paid through the department/institution in two installments.
• Fellowships are awarded annually. Fellowships are not eligible for renewal.
• If a student terminates study at any point during fellowship year, remaining amount shall be returned to Feeding Tomorrow.
• Awarded fellowships may not be deferred. 1A fellowship will be canceled at any time if a Fellow engages in misconduct affecting the Fund, breaches any of these rules, or provides false information to the Fund either directly or indirectly.

General Eligibility:

• Fellowships are available to students who are currently enrolled in and pursuing a graduate degree at a designated institution of higher learning. The fellowship is available to both international and U.S. domestic students.
• The candidate must be pursuing a graduate degree in Food Science and Technology.
• The candidate must be conducting research addressing future needs and demands of the global food system.
• The candidate must be a full-time student in their second year of their MS or PhD program.

Caldwell Fellowship Applications open January 5, 2024, and will close on February 26, 2024.

Learn more and apply

This year, the Feeding Tomorrow Fund is again offering scholarships to attend IFT FIRST in person. IFT FIRST is an experience that will bring the global science of food community together to solve food-centric challenges and spark innovation to benefit the global population for years to come. Several event scholarships are offered through IFT’s interest-based divisions.

The scholarships are offered in varying amounts and are available to graduate and undergraduate students who are not receiving funding from another source. The Travel Scholarship application will open on January 5, 2024, and will close on February 26, 2024. All applicants will be informed of their status by March 25, 2024.

General Eligibility:

• Travel stipends open to all students, regardless of membership status.
• Applicants must be a graduate or undergraduate student pursuing a degree in food science or related field. Certain scholarships may have specific eligibility as determined by the sponsor.
• Applicants must not be receiving funding from another source.
• Recipients will need to submit a written testimonial regarding their experience at IFT FIRST and as well as a thank you note to the sponsor.
• In-Person Recipients will be required to submit a W-9 form if a U.S. Domestic student and possibly a W8BEN for non-US based students.

To apply for the IFT Feeding Tomorrow Fund Travel Scholarship Program, please follow the instructions below:

1. Go to https://aim.applyists.net/IFTTravel/
2. If you have an existing ISTS account, log in. To create a new account, click “Don’t have an account? Register!” to create an ISTS account. You should be automatically redirected to the application form.
   1. If you are directed to the ISTS Home Page, click Add New Application, enter the Program Key IFTTravel, and click Apply Now.
3. Complete all required fields, upload your required documents, and Submit your application.

If you need assistance, you may reach out to the ISTS Program Support Team via email at [email protected] or click the green help widget on your application to live chat with an agent during normal business hours.

Learn more and apply

First-Year Scholarships

Application Opens: January 5, 2024
Application Deadline: February 26, 2024
Recipient and Non-Recipients Notified: March 25, 2024
Recipient Recognition Online: May 1, 2024

Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships

Application Opens: January 5, 2024
Application Deadline: February 26, 2024
Recipient and Non-Recipients Notified: March 25, 2024
Recipient Recognition Online: May 1, 2024
Recipient Reception: IFT's FIRST July 2024

Recipient Recognition in Food Technology: September Issue

All checks will be mailed to scholarship recipients by June 2024. Checks are payable to the educational institution for the student’s account.

What is new with scholarships this year?
The Feeding Tomorrow Fund has also expanded its outreach to diverse student populations. New this year, scholarship awards will be granted to first-generation college students; community college students; students with the greatest financial need; and international students.

Beginning in January of 2023, the Feeding Tomorrow Fund streamlined the scholarship application to make it easier to apply by removing the requirement for a recommendation. We've also added a section in the application for students to share any responsibilities they may have at home outside of volunteer or leadership opportunities to ensure that students can showcase their various activities. The Feeding Tomorrow Fund has also recently added a new scholarship for undergraduate students called the Gateway Scholarship. This scholarship is for students attending a university or college that is NOT an IFT-approved undergraduate program.

I’ve never applied for a scholarship. How can I get some help with the application process?
Pease contact the International Scholarships and Tuition Services (ISTS) Program Support Team via email at [email protected]. Answers to many FAQs can be found here.

I applied for a scholarship last year, can I use the same application?
No. You must submit a new application for each year you apply for a scholarship.

Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships (only one application needed) but will only be awarded one scholarship. Applicants will automatically be considered for each scholarship they are eligible for.

I received a scholarship last year; do I need to reapply?
Awards are not renewable; however, students may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements.

I am graduating in December during the 2024–2025 academic year. Am I eligible?
Yes, you are eligible to receive a scholarship.

What forms of transcripts are acceptable to submit?
You may submit ANY form of transcript. Printed, scanned, official, unofficial. As long as the transcript is accurate and legible, it will be accepted. Scholarship winners may be asked to verify their GPA with official transcripts.

When will I hear if I have won a scholarship?
Feeding Tomorrow General Undergraduate/ Graduate Scholarship: April 2024

Feeding Tomorrow General First Year Scholarship: April 2024

Who selects the scholarship recipients?
Our scholarship provider, International Scholarship and Tuition Services (ISTS), provides professional jurors to maintain a fair selection process. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability, or national origin.

Is it required that I be a member of IFT in order to be eligible for scholarships?
No, however you will need to demonstrate commitment in the science of food profession, such as, but not limited to an IFT membership.

General Scholarship Policy

• A scholarship award winner that withdraws from school, graduates early or substantially alters his/her research program during tenure of the scholarship award must forfeit his/her scholarship.
• Applicants may apply for multiple scholarships based on their eligibility.
• Scholarships winners may be asked to verify their GPA with official transcripts. Unofficial transcripts may be used as part of the application process.
• There are no scholarship renewals. Current scholarship holders must reapply the following year on the same basis as new applicants.
• Applications must be completed in English; ISTS does offer assistance in completing the application by conversing with a staff member in French and Spanish.

Can I use my scholarship award for things other than tuition?
No, all Feeding Tomorrow Fund scholarships must go to academic tuition or other direct educational expenses.

I am an international student. Am I eligible to apply for a scholarship?
If you are a graduate student pursuing a Food Science degree, you are eligible to apply. If you are an undergraduate student pursuing a Food Science degree, with the exception of the Gateway scholarship, you must be enrolled at an approved U.S. or international university.

Conflict of Interest:

All scholarship candidates and sponsors must disclose to the Feeding Tomorrow Fund of IFT in writing any and all actual or potential conflicts of interest, including but not limited to those listed below, which may compromise the integrity of the program.

IFT may, in its sole discretion, refuse to accept or cancel a scholarship award if an actual or perceived conflict of interest exists. Potential conflicts of interest include:

1. Scholarship Candidate is a close familial relative (spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, nephew, niece or first cousin) of the Sponsor (or any member or employee of Sponsor) selecting the candidate; 
2. Scholarship Candidate or Sponsor solicits, provides or accepts any compensation or other consideration in exchange for the nomination;
3. Scholarship Candidate is a current or former employee or board member of the Sponsor or Institute of Food Technologists; or
4. Scholarship Candidate engages in any conduct that may reflect negatively upon the Feeding Tomorrow Fund or Institute of Food Technologists.

Disclaimer:

All Feeding Tomorrow Fund academic scholarship award funds will be applied to recipient’s tuition, educational fees, or educational expenses required by the university. These funds shall be disbursed to student tuition accounts. The academic scholarships are based on merit and not on financial need. 

All Feeding Tomorrow Fund travel scholarship award funds will be disbursed to the student directly to be applied to costs associated with travel to the IFT Annual Meeting and Expo. The student recipient may be required to claim this travel scholarship as income and be asked to submit at 1099 to the Feeding Tomorrow Fund. 

Scholarships may not be sold, transferred or assigned and are not convertible to cash. 

Scholarship candidates must comply with all applicable enrollment and registration deadlines published by the university. 

Any false statements or misrepresentations made by the scholarship applicants may be grounds for discipline in, or dismissal from, Feeding Tomorrow Fund scholarship program(s). 

Academic scholarships are disbursed at the start of the academic year, in full, and at the university discretion may be allocated across one or all terms or semesters. 

If awarded, recipients of both academic and travel scholarships are required to provide a photograph, brief biographical statement, and thank you letter to the donor(s). 

If awarded, proof of acceptance into the academic program may be required.