NC Pork Student Intern Reimbursement Program
NC Pork Student Intern Reimbursement Program. The student internship program is intended to encourage pork producers and pork production companies to introduce students to their potential career in the pork industry. This program will help to improve their public relations and encourage pork producers and pork production companies to invest in the industry’s future employees.
The NC Pork Council will provide funding to support the sponsorship of student interns who desire to work in a job within the NC pork industry. The NC Pork Council will provide a reimbursement of one-half of a student intern’s salary up to a maximum of $2,500 to be paid to the sponsoring NC pork producer at the end of the internship ($5,000 maximum per company). Reimbursement will be made to the pork producer after completion of the internship and upon the student internship is completed and all forms have been submitted to the NC Pork Council.
The student internship program is available to juniors and seniors in high school, community college, and four-year colleges. The areas of work will include working on production farms or on a project within the NC pork industry under the supervision of an approved mentor who will be responsible for providing guidance and supervision while on the job.
Producers, please fill out the application to join our internship reimbursement program first.
Please reach out to Bailee Arnold with any questions.
Every year the NC Pork Council awards scholarships to two deserving North Carolina agriculture students attending a four-year university and four scholarships to students attending a community college.
Scholarships
Emerging NC Pork Leaders
High school juniors and seniors and college students are invited to apply for the Emerging Pork Leaders Carolina program. The program aims to prepare young adults for careers in the pork industry and as ambassadors for the industry. Open to students in North Carolina or native to North Carolina, participants are involved in a three-month program designed to educate and prepare them for career opportunities in the pork industry, and help set them for up for ambassador and leadership roles.
Four sessions will be held – two in-person and two virtual sessions. The in-person sessions will be mandatory for all participants and all costs associated with the program will be covered.
The program is open to anyone currently involved in the pork industry or interested in the industry. The program will be limited to 25 participants.
Upon completion of the program, participants will be able to identify the threats facing agriculture and the pork industry and confidently engage with neighbors and on social media about the industry.
Pork Leadership Carolina
Investing in People. Advancing Our Industry.
Pork Leadership Carolina (PLC) is a hands-on leadership development program that equips pork industry professionals with the knowledge, skills, and connections to become effective leaders and advocates for North Carolina’s pork community.
Participants come from all areas of the industry, including production, research, allied businesses, and communications. Each participant shares a common goal: to grow personally and professionally while helping strengthen the future of the pork industry.
2026 Program Schedule
All sessions are mandatory and held in person.
Session 1: April 8–9, 2026 | Raleigh, NC
Session 2: May 5, 2026 | Raleigh, NC
Session 3: June 10, 2026 | Raleigh, NC
Session 4: July, 2026 | Washington, D.C. (The exact date will be confirmed once congressional schedules are released in early 2026. The session will likely occur in early to mid-July. All accepted applicants will be contacted as soon as this is set.)
Program Focus
Participants will:
Gain a deeper understanding of North Carolina’s pork industry from farm to policy.
Build leadership and communication skills to represent the industry with confidence.
Network with state and national leaders in agriculture, business, and government.
Strengthen their ability to advocate for the pork industry at the local, state, and national levels.
Who Should Apply
Pork Leadership Carolina is open to early- and mid-career professionals working in or connected to the pork industry who are passionate about personal growth and industry leadership.
We are looking for dedicated, motivated individuals who want to invest in their future. Ideal candidates are eager to grow within their careers and expand their capacity to serve the pork industry.
Why It Matters
Strong leaders build a strong industry. Pork Leadership Carolina helps prepare the next generation of pork professionals to lead with confidence, stay informed, build connections, and make an impact that lasts.
Details
Cost: No cost to participants (sponsored by the North Carolina Pork Council)
Location: Primarily in Raleigh, NC, with a final session in Washington, D.C.
Applications for the 2026 Pork Leadership Carolina program are now open and will be accepted through December 31, 2025.
