IFT FLORIDA
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
2026 DEADLINE:
JAN 23, 2026
Undergraduate Scholarship
$1,000
*TWO Available
IFT Florida offers this scholarship in support of the Florida Food industry, an annual scholarship to an undergraduate student studying food science, food engineering, human nutrition, or culinology at a Florida University.
Graduate Scholarship
$1,000
*TWO Available
IFT Florida offers this annual scholarship for a graduate student doing research in areas such as food microbiology, phytonutrients, food protection, food process engineering, etc.
Richard F. Matthews Memorial Graduate Scholarship
$1,000
This award honors former UF Food Science faculty member Dr. Richard F. Matthews, an active IFT member who supported Florida’s citrus industry through his extension work. It recognizes outstanding academic and research achievements along with strong professional potential.
IFT Florida awards this scholarship to graduate students majoring in food science. Selection is based on scholarship, professional potential, financial need, and IFT Florida participation, with priority given to those showing ongoing service to IFT Florida activities, including Suppliers Night..
Robert P. Bates
Graduate Scholarship
$1,000
Dr. Robert Bates discovered food science while doing odd jobs for Dr. Sam Goldblith in MIT’s Food Technology Department in 1955. He earned his BS and PhD in Food Technology from MIT and has long championed IFT and food science students. He joined the UF FSHN faculty in 1967 and became Professor Emeritus upon retiring in 2004.
Awarded to graduate students majoring in food science, and evaluated on scholarship, professional potential, financial need, with priority to those showing ongoing service to IFT Florida activities, including Suppliers Night.
Dr. Ronald H. Schmidt
Professional Service
Graduate Level Memorial Scholarship
$1,000
*TWO Available
This scholarship honors Dr. Ron Schmidt for his many contributions to IFT Florida. A faculty member and Professor Emeritus since 1974, he developed an active research, teaching, and extension program in dairy foods and technology, while also serving for many years as volunteer coach for the FSHN Dairy Judging and College Bowl teams.
Available to graduate students majoring in food science who are IFT Florida members. It recognizes students with extensive professional and leadership activities benefiting IFT Florida, the FSHN Department, and/or other professional organizations. Priority is given to those showing ongoing service to IFT Florida activities, including Suppliers Night.
IFT Florida
Innovation Awards
$1,000
*TWO Available
This award supports graduate students actively developing innovative concepts in food science or human nutrition, showing high scientific creativity, and/or conducting research with potential far-reaching positive impacts on individuals and the profession.
Available to graduate students in food science, human nutrition, or related fields. Priority is given to those demonstrating dedicated, ongoing service to IFT Florida activities, including Suppliers’ Night.
Raymond A Dennison
Memorial Scholarship
$1,000
In recognition of Raymond A. Dennison, IFT Florida awards this scholarship an undergraduate majoring in food science or human nutrition. Applicants must attend school full-time, and will be reviewed for qualities of scholarship, leadership, participation in a student or regional chapter of IFT (e.g., UF FSHN Club), and motivation toward a career in food science or human nutrition. Priority will be given to students with a minimum 3.00 GPA who have demonstrated dedicated and ongoing service to IFT Florida activities, including Suppliers’ Night.
Albert "Sandy" J. Sanders
Scholarship
$1,000
In recognition of Albert "Sandy" J. Sanders, IFT Florida awards this scholarship an undergraduate majoring in food science or human nutrition. Applicants must attend school full-time, and will be reviewed for qualities of scholarship, leadership, participation in a student or regional chapter of IFT (e.g., UF FSHN Club), and motivation toward a career in food science or human nutrition. Priority is given to students with a 3+ GPA, and dedication & ongoing service to IFT Florida activities.
FIU
Hospitality & Food Award
$1,000
This scholarship is awarded to one FIU, Florida International University, Student from the Chaplin School of Hospitality Management. IFT Florida recognizes the special relationship with FIU, and FIU's continued growth in the food science arena with their Food Incubator Lab, their Food Startup Program for entrepreneurs and more!
Janna Underhill
Undergraduate Scholarship
$1,000
Janna served the FSHN students for 10+ years as the undergrad advisor, endearing herself to students with her commitment & passions. During Janna's tenure she established industry connections, and maintained close relationships with the FSHN alumni. She developed a strong foundation for both current and former students to network with the industry, participate in internship experiences, and receive job opportunities upon graduation. Janna continues to support the department by serving on the FSHN External Advisory Board, and the department is grateful for her service.
Grady W. Chism Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship
$1,000
This $1,000 scholarship recognizes the contributions of Grady Chism, Jr. to Florida’s food industry and to IFT.