Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Supports Future Leaders with $30,000 in Scholarships

LINCOLN, NE– June 2, 2025 – Youth for the Quality Care of Animals is committed to
empowering youth in the livestock industry and giving back to the next generation. It is this
dedication that led to the establishment of the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals
Scholarship Program and allowed the organization to honor its inaugural recipients. With
over 200 applicants in 2025, YQCA has awarded seven students with $30,000 in
scholarships.

“Investing in youth is key to the future of the livestock industry,” said Dinah Peebles, Youth
for the Quality Care of Animals Executive Board President. “The YQCA scholarship reflects
our commitment to supporting young people in their educational endeavors. We are proud
to invest in these seven students and have them represent our organization.”

The 2025 scholarship recipients were awarded funds to support their continuing
education. Scholarships were granted based on a combination of academic achievement,
leadership, and involvement in the livestock industry. Scholarships awarded to Kansas students:

• Kylee Pfeifer of Ellis, Kansas was awarded $2,500 and will attend Fort Hays State
  University in Hays, Kansas.
• Ally Rietcheck of Gardner, Kansas was awarded $2,500 and will attend Kansas State
  University in Manhattan, Kansas.

“The students being recognized exemplify the values of the livestock industry and the core
skills YQCA promotes in youth exhibitors,” said Peebles. “The knowledge, dedication, andpassion of each individual will positively impact the industry, and we are proud to support their future successes.”

A total of 228 scholarship applications underwent an in-depth judging process. To be
eligible for the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Scholarship, 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 the
previous two years.

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 allows YQCA to support students
who are passionate about livestock and are working to further their education. The 2026
Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Scholarship application will open January 2026.