Purina Animal Nutrition Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Land O' Lakes, Inc.
Overview
The scholarship is administered by Scholarship America®, the country’s largest organization that designs and manages scholarship and education-support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and private donors. Individual program eligibility is set solely by the sponsor; Scholarship America’s evaluation team reviews applications that meet the sponsor’s criteria.
Who can apply (Eligibility)
Applicants to the Purina Animal Nutrition Scholarship must:
- Be high school seniors, high school graduates, or current undergraduate students who live and study in the United States.
- Intend to enroll full time in undergraduate coursework (for the entire upcoming academic year) at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school.
- Have hands-on experience showing or caring for livestock (large or small), equine, or poultry (this does not include household pets).
Award information
- Each recipient will receive a $5,000 scholarship.
- Up to four (4) awards will be made.
- Awards are one-time only (not renewable); however, eligible students may reapply in subsequent years.
- Scholarships apply to undergraduate study only.
How recipients are chosen
Finalists and awardees are evaluated based on:
- Academic record
- Leadership and involvement in school and community activities
- Work experience
- A statement of educational and career goals
- Any unusual personal or family circumstances
- One online recommendation
- Practical experience showing or caring for livestock, equine, or poultry
- A short essay (1,000 characters or less)
Essay prompt: What motivates you to care for animals? Describe your reasons for raising and caring for them and explain how those experiences have influenced your outlook.
Note: Financial need is not taken into account.
Selection process: Scholarship America will name up to ten (10) finalists. The Land O’Lakes, Inc. Selection Committee will review the finalists’ applications and essays and choose the scholarship recipients.
Application requirements
You must upload the following as part of your application:
- A current, complete official transcript (grade reports are not accepted). Transcripts must show:
- Student name
- School name
- Course grades
- Credit hours for each course and the term in which each course was taken
Important testing note: If you include SAT or ACT scores and they do not appear on your high school transcript, you must upload an official copy of your test score report(s). If you are submitting a college transcript, separate SAT/ACT score reports are not required.
Recommendation deadline
One online recommendation form must be submitted on your behalf by April 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM Central Time.