Become a Member

Ron Richard Memorial Scholarship

The Ron Richard Memorial Scholarship is awarded by the Northwest Meat Processors Association.

  • A $5000 scholarship will be divided amongst a maximum of 3 winners of the Ron Richards Memorial Scholarship. This will be awarded to undergraduate student(s) attending a university is one of three (3) Northwest states (Oregon, Idaho or Washington). 

  • The student’s major must be in a scholastic discipline of value to the processed meat industry. Acceptable majors include Animal Sciences, Meat Sciences, Food Science or other Agricultural based areas.

  • The award of this scholarship will be based on the following:

    • Scholastics: applicants must have a grade point average of at least a 2.75 on a four (4) point scale.

    • Career goals: applicants should be planning to enter a career of value to the meat industry.

    • Class standing: applicants should be sophomore standing or higher in their coursework.

    • Other activities: applicants should cite all activities that demonstrate leadership capabilities, intellectual growth and breadth of interests.

    • Financial need will not be a consideration.

  • Northwest Meat Processors Association will provide application forms for the applicant to complete. The applicant must return these together with letters of recommendation and an official copy of transcripts indicating academic status and major.

  • The scholarship will be deposited with the financial aid officer of the recipient’s college or university in the student’s account.

  • The recipient must maintain a 3.0 GPA on a minimum course load of 12 units per semester (or equivalent) and remain in good academic standing during the tenure of the scholarship.

  • If the recipient withdraws from school, changes majors to an unapproved curriculum, school or department or graduates during the tenure of the scholarship, the unused balance of the award must be returned to NWMPA.

  • A committee (whose members will remain anonymous) will be selected from the education committee, board of directors and the general membership. The committee will select the recipient, recommending approval to the Board of Directors of NWMPA. An alternate recipient will be selected in case the winner is unable or becomes ineligible to accept

  • The recipient may re-apply for additional scholarship awards, but will be considered on an equal basis with all other applicants.

  • Applications are due by March 10, 2020. Please send to: NWMPA, 5042 Stateline Rd., Walla Walla, WA 99362

  • Questions regarding the scholarship or eligibility requirements should be directed towards the Education Committee chairman or the Executive Director of the association.

Completed applications with all attachments need to be submitted by March 10th, 2023.

Mail to:

NWMPA
778 SW Chehalis Ave.
Chehalis, WA 98532.

Application Instructions:

Complete the following scholarship application by typing or use a PC to replicate the application form. Application criteria are weighted as indicated in parenthesis.

1. Prepare a typed 200-250 word essay outlining your career goals and the purpose for applying for the scholarship. Age, gender, race religion, national origin or financial need are not conditions of eligibility for any of the awards. (30%)

2. Provide a summary of your work experience, especially as related to the commercial meat industry, university meat lab employment and other food processing related work experiences. (30%)

3. Provide a list of university awards and honors received. (5%)

4. Provide a list of extracurricular activities that demonstrate intellectual growth, breadth of interests, talents and leadership qualities. (5%)

5. Include 2 letters of recommendation signed by faculty members and one letter from an industry representative familiar with your activities outside the university setting. The letter does not need to come from someone directly in the meat processing industry, but should be in a closely related field (e.g. live animal production, marketing). (10%)

6. Enclose official transcript copies of all university work. Highlight your cumulative GPA. Scholastics- must have a grade point average of at least 2.75 on a four-point scale. If cumulative GPA is not automatically printed on the transcript, please self-calculate and have your department chair initial. (20%)

Download Scholarship Application