OVIFT traditionally offers financial support to students pursuing studies related to food.  Various merit-based scholarships are available to undergraduate and graduate students.  While specific qualifications vary depending upon award, common considerations include GPA and involvement in IFTSA and OVIFT activities.  In addition, travel funds are awarded to qualified students who attend the IFT Annual Meeting and Food Expo.

Scholarship consideration is given to GPA, contributions to IFTSA, and participation in OVIFT.  Eligible students must also demonstrate an earnest interest in supporting the IFT mission of advancing the science of food.  Along with the application, a personal statement (500 words or less) must be submitted indicating the student’s desire to pursue a career in the food industry.  The following questions should be addressed in the personal statement:

• Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now, and/or what do you aspire to accomplish in the Food Industry?

• What are your interests in the food industry, and how did they develop?

• Why did you choose your major? And who influenced it? 

• What do you enjoy learning about in your Food Industry related studies, and why?

$500 Undergraduate Scholarships

Up to four scholarships of $500 each will be awarded to undergraduate students.  These scholarships are available to undergraduate students who are student members of the Ohio Valley Institute of Food Technologists (OVIFT).  There is no limit to the number of times a student may receive the $500 scholarship in his/her academic career but not more than one scholarship may be given per student per year.

Grady W. Chism III Scholarship

One $2000 scholarship is available annually to undergraduate students in honor of Grady W. Chism III, Ph.D.  Dr. Chism is an emeritus professor at The Ohio State University in the Department of Food Science and Technology and is currently teaching at IUPUI.  Dr. Chism has been a long time advocate of undergraduate students and a dedicated member of OVIFT.  Additional scholarship consideration is given to the student’s involvement in OVIFT and in the Student Chapter of IFT.  A student may receive the Chism scholarship only once per academic career.

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Graduate Scholarship

John Litchfield Scholarship

One $2000 scholarship is available annually to graduate students in honor of John Litchfield, Ph.D.  Dr. Litchfield, OSU adjunct professor, is a long-time member of OVIFT, a dedicated supporter of student activities and a local past IFT president.  For the past several years, Dr. Litchfield has assisted in training the OSU College Bowl Team and in teaching the OSU Food Product Development class. 

Scholarship candidates must be enrolled as a graduate student at The Ohio State University and a student member of OVIFT.  Additional scholarship consideration is given to the student's involvement in OVIFT and demonstrated contributions to the local student chapter of IFT.  A student may receive the Litchfield scholarship only once per academic career.

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2007-2008 Students Representatives:

Ohio State University Dave Pompignano

University of Cincinnati Christian Serrato

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