North American Renderers Association accepting applications for $2,500 scholarship

The North American Renderers Association announced on National Rendering Day April 21 that the organization is offering a scholarship to be awarded to one student in the amount of $2,500.

The NARA Rendering Scholarship was established to recognize and support students who demonstrate an interest in the vital role of rendering in sustainability, agriculture, animal nutrition and the circular economy.

Rendering is one of the most essential yet underrecognized processes in the agricultural supply chain—diverting millions of tons of waste from landfills, supporting American farmers, producing safe animal-feed ingredients, and reducing environmental impact.

The NARA Rendering Scholarship encourages students to explore and engage with this impactful field.

Eligibility, application requirements

Applicants must be accepted to or currently enrolled in a college, university or trade school.

This scholarship is open to students in any discipline, but those pursuing agriculture, environmental science, animal science, food systems or sustainability-related fields are especially encouraged to apply.

Each application packet must include the following:

Completed application form downloadable from nara.org or available upon request.

Copy of the applicant’s high school, trade school or college transcript.

A 500-word essay (typed, double spaced—see prompt below).

Documentation of acceptance or enrollment at a college, university or trade school.

Essay prompt (500 words)

Rendering plays a vital role in sustainable agriculture, pet nutrition and the circular economy—yet it often goes unseen by the public.

In 500 words or less, explain why rendering is important in today’s world.

Applicants may choose to explore:

Its role in sustainability, reducing food waste and repurposing materials.

Its contributions to agriculture, pet food or public health.

How rendering supports the economy and American farmers.

The science and innovation behind rendering processes.

Personal or academic interests in rendering and why the field matters to the applicant.

The applicant should be specific and draw on what they have learned, observed or experienced—and help NARA understand their unique perspective on the value and future of rendering.

Submission Deadline: July 28

All application materials must be submitted together in a single PDF file no later than July 28.

Submit via email here.

Subject line: NARA Rendering Scholarship (emails with other subject lines may not be considered.)

Or mail to:

Attn: Anna Carlson

North American Renderers Association

500 Montgomery Street, Suite 310

Alexandria, VA 22314.

Mailed applications must be received by the deadline.