Real Pork Scholars

Real Pork Scholars is a professional development and executive mentorship program grounded in research and driven by relationships.

The program offers graduate-level students:

Mentorship
Peer-to-peer network building
Professional training
Funding for relevant research

At the same time, Real Pork Scholars will help the U.S. pork industry by filling research gaps and building strong connections with emerging thought leaders.

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Program Objectives

The cohort-based, prestigious program seeks graduate students who want to develop strong interdisciplinary mentor and peer networks, while building awareness among various audiences about their expertise and perspectives on food production and the swine industry.

What Students Gain

Throughout the one-year program and after its completion, scholars will apply their training by elevating their work and communicating technical details to advance U.S. pork’s commitment to people, pigs and the planet.

Mentoring and Peer-to-Peer Network Building: Scholars participate in monthly conversations with hand-selected mentors relevant to their field of study. National Pork Board will host multiple in-person and virtual events with peers in the scholar cohort

Skills Advancement: Professional training to communicate technical information will help students effectively resonate with non-scientific audiences. Part of the training will be provided by the Real Pork Trust Consortium, a multi-university effort that applies research-based communications techniques to build trust in agriculture.

Financial Support: Up to $30,000 for the one-year program is available for cohort members to support their academic and professional development, not directly fund their research.

Opportunity to Make a Tangible Difference: Real Pork Scholars drive the discussion, understanding and efforts to continually advance the health of people, pigs, planet and our communities.

2023 Real Pork Scholars Cohort

The first cohort of the Real Pork Scholars program wrapped up, and the impact is already clear. This program supports graduate and professional students with mentorship, training and networking — broadening their view of career paths in the pork industry.

👉 Read more about the cohort’s success in NPB Senior Vice President of Producer and State Engagement Brett Kaysen’s recent article.

Pictured left to right; front row: Beth Stevermer, Molly Kroeger, Isabel Rodriguez, Lindsey Britton and Carolyn Lee. Back row: Abigail Jenkins, Haley Schwecke, Sudario Roberto Silva Junior and Daniel Moraes.

2025 Real Pork Scholars Cohort

Pictured left to right; front row: Katlyn McClellan, Rachel Self, Maddie Dvorak and Alexa Gormley. Back row: Caitlyn Wileman, Ty Kim, Michael Rezendes, Bianca Metallo and Sara Williams.