Tyson Foods Launches Poultry Scholarship Program at University of Arkansas

The 3+1 initiative aims to support students pursuing degrees in poultry science and related agricultural fields.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 7:20am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a stack of textbooks, a mortar and pestle, and a handful of poultry feathers arranged elegantly on a clean, white seamless background, symbolizing the academic and agricultural aspects of the poultry science scholarship program.Tyson Foods' new scholarship program at the University of Arkansas aims to support the next generation of poultry industry professionals.Pine Bluff Today

Tyson Foods has announced a new 3+1 Poultry Scholarship Program at the University of Arkansas, designed to provide financial assistance to eligible students who complete three years of undergraduate study at partner community colleges before transferring to the university for their final year. The program builds on Tyson's existing collaborations with several universities and is part of the company's efforts to strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers entering the poultry industry, particularly in Northwest Arkansas where Tyson has a significant operational presence.

Why it matters

The scholarship program is Tyson Foods' latest investment in workforce development for the poultry industry, which is a crucial sector in Arkansas. By targeting students from partner community colleges, the initiative aims to make higher education more accessible for underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students interested in pursuing careers in poultry science and related agricultural fields.

The details

Under the 3+1 model, students will spend their first three years at participating community colleges, earning foundational credits in agriculture, biology, or business, before transferring to the University of Arkansas to complete their bachelor's degree in poultry science. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and other educational expenses during the final year at the university, reducing financial barriers for eligible students.

  • The Poultry Scholarship Program was announced in April 2026.

The players

Tyson Foods

A major American food company and one of the largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef, and pork in the world.

University of Arkansas

A public research university in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas System.

Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

The college of agriculture at the University of Arkansas, offering programs in areas such as poultry science.

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What they’re saying

“We're proud to partner with the University of Arkansas to create more opportunities for students to pursue careers in the poultry industry.”

— Donnie King, President and CEO of Tyson Foods

What’s next

The first cohort of students is expected to begin the 3+1 Poultry Scholarship Program at the University of Arkansas in the fall of 2026.

The takeaway

Tyson Foods' new scholarship program at the University of Arkansas demonstrates the company's commitment to investing in the next generation of poultry industry professionals, particularly from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This initiative aims to strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers entering the poultry sector in Arkansas, a key region for Tyson's operations.