The North American Renderers Association has selected Carmen Howard and Audreanna Brown as recipients of the 2026 NARA Rendering Scholarship.
The scholarship program, now in its second year, supports students interested in rendering’s role in sustainability, agriculture, animal nutrition and the circular economy. The program introduces students to the rendering industry, which reclaims animal byproducts and transforms them into ingredients for animal feed, pet food, biofuels, fertilizers and other products.
“Supporting the next generation is an investment in the long-term strength of the rendering industry,” said Kent Swisher, president and CEO of NARA. “This year’s winners both represent the kind of passion and potential we want to encourage, and we are proud to support them as they work toward their education and career goals.”
Howard is a senior at Unity Environmental University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with an emphasis in Sustainable Livestock Management. She expects to graduate in 2027.
“Receiving this scholarship is meaningful because it recognizes the perseverance, dedication and passion for agriculture that have shaped my journey,” Howard said.
Brown will begin studies at Tuskegee University this fall, majoring in Animal and Veterinary Sciences. She plans to graduate in 2030 and pursue veterinary medicine.
“This scholarship means so much to me because it will help support me as I pursue my education and work toward my future career in veterinary medicine,” Brown said.
NARA represents the North American rendering industry to regulatory agencies and promotes animal byproduct use while expanding trade between foreign buyers and North American exporters.
