The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific organization that aims to advance the science of food and its application across the global food system, announced that applications are now open for more than 100 undergraduate and graduate scholarships totaling over $260,000. The scholarships are courtesy of IFT’s Feeding Tomorrow Fund, which encourages, promotes, and rewards the excellence of students pursuing careers in the science of food.

Scholarship opportunities include the prestigious Elwood F. Caldwell Graduate Fellowship, which awards a $25,000 stipend to students currently enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program in food science. The stipend was created from an endowment by long-time IFT member and Fellow, Elwood Caldwell, PhD—reportedly one of the pioneers in cereal science for his work as director of research and development for Quaker Oats. 

“The future of food science is written by curious minds and bold ideas, and every year Feeding Tomorrow Fund scholarships help students turn their dreams into reality and support them on their journeys toward solving the greatest challenges in food and nutrition,” says Nina Steele, IFT director of engagement, inclusion, and volunteer development. “For more than 40 years, the IFT community has been proud to support students through the Feeding Tomorrow Fund as it is an important investment in not only the food science students determined to change the world, but the future of food, as well.” 

IFT’s Feeding Tomorrow Fund, which has awarded more than 2,800 scholarships and over $3 million to food science students since 1985, provides undergraduate and graduate academic scholarships in various areas, including financial need, community college transfer, first-generation college enrollment, and in fields like food engineering and sensory and consumer science. 

“Receiving the Feeding Tomorrow scholarship allowed me to focus on the Food Science Club, ultimately become club president, and develop the leadership and soft skills that shaped my academic and professional path,” says Morgan Denzer, previous Feeding Tomorrow Fund scholarship winner and now an instructor in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas. “The scholarship also gave me the confidence to attend my first IFT event, really immerse myself in IFT and IFTSA, and start to build connections and develop that network beyond my university network.”  

Denzer now advises the Food Science Club and College Bowl teams at the University of Arkansas that have competed in recent College Bowl finals at IFT FIRST Annual Expo and Event, which is being held this year from July 12-15, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

To be eligible, applicants for all scholarships must demonstrate a commitment to the science of food, such as, but not limited to, membership in IFT. Student members gain access to various resources that assist them in their food science careers. This includes participation in the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA), a mission-driven, student-governed organization that supports student members and chapters and aims to develop the future leaders within the science of food. 

The application deadline for all scholarships is March 2. To learn more and apply, visit IFT's Feeding Tomorrow Fund Scholarships page. Interested students may also email International Scholarship and Tuition Services at ContactUs@applyists.com or IFT at feedingtomorrow@ift.org.

Related: IFT announces new chief science and technology officer