Student Club Funding

Food Science Clubs are eligible for $500 each year to use for any of the following:

• Speakers, including their travel and lodging and other expenses including room reservations and audio visual equipment
• Banners or table drapes
• Posters or flyers advertising club events
• Clothes such as club hats or shirts
• Other similar items
• Funds may not be used for food

In order to receive your funding, you must submit in writing a proposal to the Section Chair. Include in the proposal the name of your college, club name, contact information including phone and mailing address, and a short paragraph describing how you will use the funds along with an estimate of what it will cost.
The funding request must be received by the section chair at least one week ahead of the meeting. A representative of the club must attend the board meeting and present your proposal to the Board. If you received funds in the past, please include a short description of how you used the money. Apply early in the year so you can use your funds. Contact your Student Representative if you have questions.

Student Travel Grants

Student Travel Grants are available for IFT First the Annual IFT Event and Expo 2026.

• Ten (10) $750 Travel grants are available for students to attend.
• Applications must be received by SCIFTS Student Affairs Chair by April 30th.
• Recipients will be notified by May 12th.
• Only SCIFTS or IFT Student members are eligible for travel grants.
• Grant recipients pay for all applicable expenses up front and then submit expense reports with a copy of all receipts to the SCIFTS Treasurer.

Phil Bates Scholarship Awards

The Phil Bates Scholarship for 2026-2027 Academic Year will provide financial assistance to High School, Undergraduate and Graduate Students planning to or currently attending both IFT and non-IFT approved programs. Minimum $1000 grants will be awarded to qualified students who are planning to or are currently working towards a degree in food technology, food science, nutrition, Culinology®, or a closely related field.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Saturday, April 26, 2026

Wayne Bidlack Scholarship Award

The Wayne Bidlack Scholarship for 2026-2027 Academic Year will provide financial assistance to one (1) Undergraduate or Graduate Student who is planning to, or currently attending Cal Poly Pomona. A $2,000 grant will be awarded to a qualified student who is planning to or currently working toward a degree in B.S. Food Science & Technology, or M.S. Agriculture-Nutrition and Food Science subplan.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Saturday, April 26, 2026

Education and Research Grants

SCIFTS Education and Research Grants are available to educational research institutions that advance food science, nutrition and closely related technologies within the SCIFTS’ geographical area. Funding proposals will be evaluated on the potential contribution to further the knowledge in the fields of food science and nutrition, and on the potential contribution to develop students as competent scientific investigators or educators in these disciplines. The emphasis is to enhance programs that will benefit a large segment of the student population.

Education and Research Grants awarded in May, 2025.