US POULTRY Foundation Awards WCC $7,000 Grant  

US POULTRY Foundation Awards WCC $7,000 Grant

WILKESBORO, N.C. – Wilkes Community College’s (WCC) Applied Animal Science Technology program has been awarded a $7,000 grant from the U.S. Poultry and Egg Harold E. Ford Foundation (USPOULTRY). This funding will help recruit students to the program, training them for careers in the poultry industry. The foundation provides annual recruiting and retention funds to colleges and universities to attract students to their poultry programs.

The poultry industry contributes millions annually to local, regional, and state economies. Wilkes County ranks second in the state for broiler (poultry) production.

“The partnership with the USPOULTRY Foundation allows Wilkes Community College to provide prospective Animal Science and Poultry Technology students with the information and opportunities they need to make sound decisions about their educational goals. The support from USPOULTRY offers mission-driven avenues to meet students where they are and support them with lifelong learning opportunities. We could not do what we do without partnerships like this, and for that, we are truly grateful,” stated WCC President, Dr. Mike Rodgers.

Frank Blevins, lead instructor for the Animal Science and Poultry Management Technology programs, added, “We sincerely appreciate the continued support from the US Poultry Foundation. Their funding enables Wilkes Community College to provide educational opportunities to students of all ages. Our Applied Animal Science and Poultry Management Technology programs equip students with the essential skills and knowledge for successful careers in poultry production and other animal science-related industries.”

For more information about the Animal Science, Agribusiness, or Poultry Management Technology programs at Wilkes Community College, contact Frank Blevins at 336-838-6188 or fd**********@******cc.edu.

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association established the USPOULTRY Foundation in 1994 to provide student recruiting funds to universities with poultry science departments. In 2004, the Poultry Science Education Funding Program, now named the Industry Education Recruitment Funding Program, was added to the Foundation’s umbrella so other colleges and universities that offer industry-related studies are eligible to apply for recruiting grants. 

Wilkes Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System, is a public, two-year, open-door institution serving the people of Wilkes, Ashe, and Alleghany counties and beyond. Established in 1965, WCC continues to build on a strong history of meeting the educational needs and cultural interests of our students, community, and workforce. WCC prepares learners for success in a dynamic world.

First row l-r: WCC President, Dr. Mike Rodgers; Kenlee Benton, Payton Smith, Ronald Dollyhite, dean of Applied Career Technologies; and Tanya Fox

2^nd row l-r: Lilly Springfield, Stacie Taylor, chair of Applied Career Technologies; Frank Blevins, lead instructor for Animal Science and Poultry Management Technology; Revival Thompson, and Emma Goodman

3^rd row l-r: Peyton Tuttle, Haley Triplett, Madeline Boberg

4^th row l-r: Andrew Fulk, Andrew Leonard, and Tegan Robinson

5^th row l-r: Austin Hendren, Brice Kemp, and Daniel Handy

6^th row l-r: Dawson Walker, Jake Shoemaker, and Zeke Wiggins