LINCOLN, NEB. – May 18, 2026 – Jackson McCurry of Colwich, Kansas, was selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship award from the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals organization. McCurry is one of 12 students recognized and awarded a scholarship from YQCA’s scholarship program to further their education. McCurry attends Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, pursuing a degree in Agribusiness.
“This scholarship program represents the heart of YQCA’s mission, investing in young people who are passionate about agriculture, committed to responsible animal care, and dedicated to making a difference in the livestock industry,” said Dinah Peebles, Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Executive Board President. “The quality of applicants this year was exceptional, and we are proud to support these students as they pursue their educational and career goals.”
The Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Scholarship was established in 2025. In the past two years, YQCA has awarded $59,500 in scholarship funds to 19 students. In 2026, over 200 scholarship applications underwent an in-depth judging process. To be eligible, students must be a high school senior or a high school graduate up to 21 years of age, have an active YQCA certification at the time of application, and have had an active YQCA certification for the previous two years.
“Jackson exemplifies the values of the livestock industry and the core skills YQCA promotes in youth exhibitors,” said Peebles. “His knowledge, dedication, and passion will positively impact the industry, and we are proud to support his future success.”
Youth for the Quality Care of Animals is a national multi-species quality assurance program whose mission is to educate and empower youth in the livestock industry by instilling essential knowledge about animal welfare, food safety, and industry best practices.
Investing in the future leaders of the livestock industry enables YQCA to support students passionate about livestock who are working to further their education. The 2027 Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Scholarship application will open in December 2026.
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About Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) is a national multi-species quality assurance program whose mission is to empower youth in the livestock industry by instilling essential knowledge about animal welfare, food safety, and industry best practices. YQCA is a nonprofit organization that
launched in March 2017 as the result of a collaborative effort between state and national livestock leaders that previously offered multi-species youth livestock quality assurance programs, the National Pork Board’s Youth PQA Plus program, and representatives from other national livestock groups. YQCA is designed as an annual education and certification program focused on food safety, animal well-being and character awareness for youth ages 8 to 21 producing and/or showing pigs, beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, and poultry. For more information about Youth for the Quality Care of Animals, visit yqcaprogram.org.