The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) runs this award with PepsiCo through its Feeding Tomorrow Fund. It joins an academic scholarship with a travel grant.
The recipient, a continuing food science undergraduate at a university in any country, gets tuition support for one year and travels to IFT FIRST, IFT’s annual event in Chicago.
Benefits & funding
- US$5,000 academic award plus a US$1,000 travel stipend to IFT FIRST (2024 and 2025 press releases); the 2025 winner received US$6,000 in total. The 2026 amount is not published.
- The academic part goes to the university tuition account for one academic year; not convertible to cash.
- Travel money is paid to the student and may count as taxable income.
- Forfeited if the recipient withdraws, graduates early or changes program.
Eligibility
- Enrolling full- or part-time as a rising sophomore, junior or senior in a food science bachelor’s program, in the U.S. or abroad.
- GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent.
- A shown commitment to food science (e.g. IFT student membership, not required).
- No nationality or residence rule. The tab names no IFT-HERB program rule, but the FAQ ties undergraduate academic awards to IFT-HERB-approved programs; confirm with IFT.
- Current or former IFT or PepsiCo staff and board members, and close relatives of a sponsor, may be refused.
Application process
- 1Submit a new English-language application each cycle; one application covers every Feeding Tomorrow scholarship you qualify for, but you can win only one.
- 2Include a transcript; any legible copy is accepted at first.
- 3If selected, return the acceptance form in May.
Program timeline
2 March 2026
Last deadline (2026 cycle)
Recipients notified
April
Acceptance form due; travel funds paid
May
IFT FIRST, Chicago
12–15 July 2026
Next cycle opens
January 2027