Owen Vickers Memorial Scholarship

 

The North American Renderers Association (NARA) is proud to announce the annual Owen Vickers Memorial Scholarship, to be awarded to one student in the amount of $2,500 per year for two years ($5,000 total).

This scholarship was established in honor of T. Owen Vickers, Sr., a third-generation leader of Birmingham Hide & Tallow Co. (BHT ReSources) and a dedicated member of the rendering industry for decades. Owen began his career in the family business in 1965 and went on to serve as Chairman, CEO, and President, leading the company’s growth across multiple states while upholding its longstanding values. He also contributed his time and leadership supporting the rendering industry with the North American Renderers Association (NARA).

Owen understood that the rendering industry plays a vital role in building a more sustainable future, and for its important work to continue, it would require a continuous influx of talented individuals. He believed the best way to ensure that future was by investing in the next generation.

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 Owen Vickers Memorial 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). Individuals residing outside of these countries are not currently eligible to apply.

Each application packet must include the following:

• Completed application form (link to fill out application is below)
• Copy of the applicant’s high school, trade school, or college transcript
• 500-word essay (typed, double spaced – see prompt below. Submitted with application form)
• Documentation of acceptance or enrollment at a college, university, or trade school

Failure to submit all required materials,  failure to follow all directions, failure to submit application by the deadline may result in your submission not being considered.  

Essay Prompt (500 words):

“Someone Who Inspires Me—And What I’m Doing With That Inspiration”

In 500 words or less, describe a person who has inspired you through their leadership, resilience, or commitment. Explain how their example has influenced you and how you are applying what you’ve learned from them in your own life.

You may choose to explore:

• The qualities that make this person inspiring
• How their actions or values have shaped your perspective
• How you are applying those lessons in your academic, professional, or personal life
• How this inspiration will influence your future contributions

Be specific. Focus not only on their story, but on your own growth and how you are carrying that inspiration forward.

Submission Deadline: July 19, 2026

Application form and all materials must be submitted no later than June 19, 2026.

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.