23 Students Win Pest Management Scholarships Worth $35K

Twenty-three students across the country are getting financial help to pursue careers that keep our homes, schools, and food supply safe from pests.

The Pest Management Foundation announced its 2025-2026 scholarship recipients, awarding between $1,000 and $2,000 to each student. The students come from universities in 11 states, from Kentucky to California, and represent the future of a field that quietly protects public health every day.

Morgan Manderfield from the University of Kentucky received the All-American Pest Control Steam Trailblazer Scholarship. Grace Kolb at Purdue University earned the Phil Gregory Scholarship for Young Pest Management Professionals. Students at UC Riverside, Auburn, Rutgers, and Texas A&M were among the other recipients.

The scholarships don't just cover tuition. They recognize students entering a profession that prevents disease transmission, protects the food supply, and helps communities stay healthy and safe.

Some recipients are high school students like Stephanie Ezenne from Jonesboro High School, whose family already works in pest management. Others are graduate students advancing the science of integrated pest management through research at major universities.

The Ripple Effect

These scholarships represent something bigger than financial aid. They're investments in innovation that will shape how we protect homes and businesses for decades to come.

The Foundation's endowed scholarship program lets individuals and companies create named scholarships with gifts starting at $25,000. These can be paid all at once or spread over five years, making it easier for businesses to support students.

Applications for next year's scholarships open October 1. The Foundation designs each scholarship around specific criteria set by donors, ensuring awards reach students who match the values and goals of the people and companies making them possible.

As pest management becomes more sophisticated with new technologies and environmentally friendly approaches, these students will lead the way in developing safer, smarter solutions.

Twenty-three students just got the support they need to build careers protecting communities.