NARA Rendering Scholarship

The North American Renderers Association (NARA) is proud to announce the annual NARA Rendering Scholarship, to be awarded to up to three students in the amount of $2500.

This 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.

Eligibility for this scholarship is limited to individuals who are legal residents of the United States of America, Canada, or Mexico, which constitute the geographic jurisdictions represented by the North American Renderers Association (NARA). Applicants must provide proof of residency upon request. Individuals residing outside of these countries are not currently eligible 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
• 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.

You 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 you

Be specific. Draw on what you’ve learned, observed, or experienced—and help us understand your unique perspective on the value and future of rendering.

Submission Deadline: TBD

All application materials must be submitted no later than TBD.

Submit via email to:
📧 acarlson@nara.org
Subject line: NARA Rendering Scholarship
(Emails with other subject lines may not be considered.)

Privacy Statement

The North American Renderers Association (NARA) is committed to protecting the privacy of all scholarship applicants. All personal information submitted as part of the application process—including names, contact details, academic records, and essays—will be kept strictly confidential and used solely for the purpose of evaluating scholarship eligibility.

We will not share, sell, or disclose any applicant information to third parties outside of NARA’s scholarship review committee. All materials will be securely stored and accessible only to authorized individuals involved in the scholarship selection process.

By submitting an application, you are consenting to the use of your information solely for the administration of the NARA Rendering Scholarship. If you have any questions regarding your privacy or how your information will be handled, please contact us directly.

💬 Questions?

Contact Anna Carlson at acarlson@nara.org or visit www.nara.org for more information.