Scholarships

The Future Looks Bright

Smithfield Foods is proud to provide educational scholarships to the eligible dependents of our full-time and retired employees. To date, we have awarded over 1,300 annual scholarships worth nearly $7.6 million.


Step 1: Choose a Great School


You must first apply and be accepted to one of the colleges or universities below to qualify for a Smithfield Foods scholarship.

Select a school for details on its academic programs, application process and scholarship contact. 


student-who-received-scholarship

Step 2: Apply for Scholarships


To apply for a Smithfield Foods scholarship, please complete the Smithfield Foods Scholarship application. Once completed, return the application to the scholarship contact included with the information for each school no later than May 15. Some schools may only accept this application via online submission. Please check the information box for your school for additional details.


Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions we have received from prospective scholarship applicants—as well as schools—along with our answers.
Please let us know if you have others.

Do I have to be accepted to the university prior to applying for the scholarship?

No, you do not have to be accepted to apply for the scholarship, but you must be accepted to be awarded the scholarship.

Is my admission application also my Smithfield Foods scholarship?

No, you must apply to the university and fill out a separate Smithfield Foods scholarship application.

Will I need to send an essay or transcript with my Smithfield Foods scholarship application?

No, there are no additional essays needed for the scholarship application and your transcript will be on file with your admissions application. However, some of the schools do require that students fill out the College Scholarship Search (CSS) PROFILE and/or the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) applications, due at the same time as the scholarship application. These materials are available online at www.collegeboard.com and www.fafsa.ed.gov or at your high school. 

How can a college or university be added to the Smithfield scholarship program?

Smithfield Foods manages our scholarship program directly through our partner colleges and universities. For a school to become eligible for the Smithfield Foods Scholarship Program, they must have at least 10 students attending or interested in attending that are eligible for the program. The school may contact Smithfield Foods via a written proposal for consideration. Parents or students who are interested in having a school added to the list of eligible institutions should contact the administration of the college or university.

How does Smithfield Foods select scholarship recipients?

Smithfield Foods is not at all involved in the selection process. Decisions on awarding scholarships are made by the Financial Aid office at each school based on the financial and demonstrable need of the student(s).

How will I find out if I am selected?

All scholarship winners will be notified either by mail or by email.

How will I find out if my application was received?

You may call the university contact after submitting your application to verify that it has been received. Allow some time for the application to arrive and be processed.

What is the scholarship application deadline?

The application process is designed for students starting in the Fall term only. The scholarship application should be submitted to the university contact no later than May 15.

Who is eligible to become a Smithfield Foods Scholarship recipient?

Eligible dependents of a full-time or retired employee of Smithfield Foods, Inc. and its family of companies. Employees must have worked with the company for a minimum of 18 months for their child or other eligible dependent to qualify.