Pennsylvania State Extension is thrilled to offer a scholarship opportunity for Pennsylvania residents, funded by the Pennsylvania Pork Producer Council.

Pork 101 is a three-day, hands-on educational program designed to enhance participants' knowledge of the pork industry. The program, originally created by the American Meat Science Association and sponsored by the National Pork Board and Merck, is an immersive experience that delves into the value differences in swine, pork carcasses, pork primals and processed pork products. Participants will have the unique opportunity to evaluate live hogs, learn about food safety, and product processing, and even sample processed products like bacon, hams and sausage.

The course has seen remarkable attendance at Penn State in both 2022 and 2023, drawing industry pork suppliers and buyers, as well as an impressive international audience, including USMEF, culinary experts and value-added pork operations.

This scholarship aims to support local pig producers and individuals in the local food service industry, such as school cafeteria managers, restaurant owners and private meat cutters, to attend the Pork 101 event. Pork education is for everyone. Support of the scholarship from PA Pork is a part of their mission to ensure that Pennsylvania's nearly 3,000 pig farmers deliver delicious and nutritious pork from farm to table.

The 2024 event is scheduled for Oct. 29-31 at University Park. Instructors for the event include Penn State Extension Specialists Elizabeth Hines (swine) and Jonathan Campbell (meat science), along with contributions from Ben Williamson (livestock evaluation), Robert Mikesell (animal science), and experts from across the swine industry like Lyda Garcia (Ohio State University) who will lead the program, offering valuable insights into the pork industry.

Applications are now open and will be accepted until 11:59 pm on Sept. 15. Those interested in applying for this scholarship opportunity can do so by visiting the website.