Today marks the application deadline for the 2015-16 Beef Industry Scholarship, sponsored by the CME Group. Ten scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded to outstanding students pursuing careers in the beef industry.

The purpose of this program is to identify and encourage talented and thoughtful students who will emerge as industry leaders. Fields of study may include education, communications, production, research or other areas of study related to the beef industry.

Applicants must be a graduating high school senior or full-time undergraduate student enrolled at a two-or four-year institution for the 2015-16 school year. Students applying for the scholarship are required to write a one-page letter expressing future career goals related to the beef industry, a 750-word essay describing an issue confronting the industry and solutions to manage the problem, as well as submit two letters of reference from current or former instructors or industry professionals.

The National Cattlemen’s Foundation will convene a panel of judges to review the applications and select the winners. Applications must be submitted online or by mail no later than midnight (MST) on Dec. 19, 2014. The winning recipients will be announced on Jan. 15, 2015.