Learning opportunities in pork industry

Several opportunities are available from the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence (USPCE), says Chelsey Van Genderen, program manager.

The Swine Science Online program offers 16 swine industry specific, 1-credit courses. The program is taught by a leading instructor in the specific course topic. Students include traditional, university students as well as adult learners using the courses for continuing education or career change opportunities. Students can take one credit a la carte, or as a sequence. The U.S. Pork Center of Excellence offers a 12-credit Swine Science Online Industry Certificate.

Swine Science Online is the first-ever undergraduate program of its kind. It offers students who have a specific interest in swine science an opportunity to pursue a specific undergraduate degree. It is an educational and training program for future pork professionals who will help to pork industry by inspiring career interest through academics and application.

USPCE was established in 2005 to add value to the pork industry by facilitating research and learning for U.S. pork producers through national collaboration. It brings a higher level of cooperation and collaboration among universities, the pork production industry, and government. Due to budget restraints, many universities have had to reconsider their role in providing pork producer clientele with the necessary research, education and information, says Van Genderen.

Another educational program by USPCE is Destination Pork, a comprehensive curriculum designed to expose high school students to pork industry jobs and career opportunities to interest them down the road. There are currently two pathways available through the program, which is to be an instructor-led experience. This program is to serve as an Introduction to Agriculture course.

USPCE is also requesting proposals for its Swine Research and Education Experience (SREE). This program seeks to expand undergraduate and veterinary student participation in research and education projects relevant to the swine industry. The objectives of the program are: 1) expose students to swine research and education, 2) recruit and attract student to seek careers within the swine industry, and 3) provide a support mechanism for development of future swine research and education leaders. Students from all applicable discipline areas are eligible for consideration. Through the development and completion of a mentored research or education project, students will gain pork science and industry exposure, obtain personal experiences in swine research and education, and develop problem-solving skills. University faculty or staff will collaborate and mentor the student in the identification, development, and completion of the project.

The inspiration for the SREE program is to attract students to swine related research or educational careers who might not otherwise consider those aspirations. The projects are encouraged to involve students at early stages in their college experience. SREE projects may be carried out during the academic year.

The proposal submission deadline is Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at 5PM CT. Projects must be submitted through the normal grant proposal system of the institution/college involved. Proposal reviews will be completed, and notifications made by August 15, 2021. Project initiation can be expected to begin as early as September 1, 2021 and projects are to be completed including submission of final report by May 31, 2022.

For more information on specific RFP requirements, please visit here.

In addition, USPCE has a Pork Information Gateway (PIG). PIG is a free, web-based library for the U.S. pork industry. The online library provides the industry with fact sheets, "how-to" guides, videos and other resources that are broken down into eight categories. The USPCE works with up to four graduate/post-doctoral students to serve as year-long editors and content creators for specific categories on the PIG. This work is overseen by the faculty mentor/supervisor. Each $20,000 award will be used by a faculty mentor/supervisor to help support one of the above listed students. These funds are renewable for an additional year after review. PIG RFP Information: The application deadline is May 15, 2021. Proposals should not be more than five pages. Selected editors will be notified by June 15, 2021. Program begins Fall 2021.

For more information on specific RFP requirements, please visit here.