By Haley Pierce, Manager, FMI Foundation & Imogen Angel, Assistant, FMI Foundation
The FMI Foundation, in partnership with SQFI, awarded 19 scholarships from 152 applications for the 2025-2026 Food Safety Auditing Scholarship program.
In partnership with SQFI, the FMI Foundation is proud to announce that 19 outstanding students have been awarded 
scholarships through our Food Safety Auditing Scholarship program. Selected from 122 total applications, these scholars represent the future of food safety auditing—a critical component in ensuring the integrity of our food systems and the well-being of consumers in North America and, indeed, around the world.
This year’s recipients were selected based upon their exceptional academic achievement, proven leadership in their curriculum and passion for the food industry’s auditing profession. With applications nearly doubling from 78 in 2023 to 152 in 2024, there is a clear demand for opportunities in this field. We are thrilled to support these talented students on their career journeys!
Tier 1 scholars will receive a $3,000 stipend to go towards educational expenses and complimentary registration, travel, and housing accommodations for the 2026 SQF Unites Conference, held March 9-12, 2026, in St. Louis, MO. Tier 2 scholars will receive a $1,000 stipend for educational expenses and a complimentary auditor qualification course, “Auditing the SQF Code Requirements,” valued at $1,200. In 2025, the FMI Foundation recognized the need for an additional tier of scholarship recipients, helping students acquire the knowledge and experience necessary to become well-rounded food safety professionals and creating pathways to auditing careers.
The food safety auditing profession is essential to maintaining a healthy and effective food safety system. By investing in these scholars, we gain insight into aspiring food safety auditors’ educational backgrounds, the knowledge-skills gap that can exist in the transition from academia to industry and how valuable SQF Unites is to these students as a learning experience and to make career-long connections. Boluwatife Esther Ajayi, one of our Class of 2024 scholarship winners said:
"Scholarship program is an excellent opportunity that prepares and empowers scholars for futures in food safety, providing exposure to real-world food safety issues and how to address them in the industry. [You’re able to] access workshops to equip and shape your career and the advantage to network with experienced professionals that can further mentor you in your career journey."
Join us in celebrating these scholarship recipients during the Awards & Scholarships Ceremony at SQF Unites 2026! Register today to join the food safety community in congratulating these wonderful scholars.
Check Out The 2025-2026 Class of Food Safety Auditing Scholars
