The Delmarva Chicken Association (DCA) is now accepting applications for its 2025 College Scholarship Program, providing financial support to undergraduate and graduate students preparing for careers in the chicken industry. Scholarships include:
- Undergraduate awards of $2,000
- Graduate awards of $3,000
Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025. Funds for these scholarships are raised through DCA’s College Scholarship Golf Tournament, which generated over $19,000 this year. Since its inception in 1985, the program has awarded more than $222,000 to deserving students.
Undergraduate Scholarships
Undergraduate scholarships are open to Delmarva Peninsula residents who are:
- High school seniors accepted at an accredited, degree-granting U.S. institution
- Current undergraduates majoring in fields relevant to the chicken industry
Eligible applicants may pursue associate’s, technical studies or bachelor’s degrees. Previous scholarship recipients can reapply if they remain eligible.
Selection Criteria:Applications are scored on a 100-point rubric:
- Scholastic Record (20 points)
- Answers to Questions (40 points)
- School/Community Activities & Awards (20 points)
- Financial Need (5 points)
- Faculty Reference (15 points)
Emerson Morgan Graduate Scholarship
Graduate scholarships support students conducting research that directly benefits Delmarva’s chicken community.
Selection Criteria:Applications are scored based on:
- Scholastic Record (10 points)
- Answers to Questions (30 points)
- Activities & Awards (10 points)
- Research Benefits to Delmarva (40 points)
- Faculty Reference (10 points)
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be in good academic standing at an accredited U.S. institution
- Provide a complete transcript
- Submit a faculty reference letter on school letterhead with a signature (emailed directly or included with the application)
- For high school seniors, proof of college acceptance is required
DCA membership is not required and does not influence the selection process. Scholarship funds are disbursed directly to recipients’ financial aid offices.
Encouraging Careers in the Chicken Industry
“It’s an exciting time to be preparing for a career in the chicken community,” said Holly Porter, DCA’s executive director. “More than 18,000 jobs on Delmarva are directly tied to our chicken companies, and thousands more careers are supported by the chicken economy. These scholarships help students embark on their chicken careers, building the next generation of industry professionals.”
How to Apply
Applications and further information can be found on the DCA website. Interested students are encouraged to submit their materials early to ensure consideration.
