Pork enthusiasts from around Ohio will have a chance to learn about all aspects of the pork industry at the Youth Pork Leadership Institute, a three-day seminar to be held in Columbus in June. New in 2010 all current and past participants, age 21 or under, will have the opportunity to compete for a $500 scholarship.

Young men and women will be selected to participate in the event, which is sponsored by the Ohio Pork Producers Council, the Pork Check-off, and the Ohio Soybean Council. Last year thirteen individuals participated in the event. As an alumnus of the institute, participants will have the opportunity to be youth ambassadors for Ohio's pork industry.

One goal of the institute is to make young people realize the pork industry has many facets, including packing, retail, food service, research and communications. In addition, the institute will teach leadership and communication skills that will assist participants in their future careers.

At last year's event, the participants benefited from such unique experiences as touring a packing plant, learning about commercial hog farms, taste testing in Bob Evans test kitchen, and meeting with a legislative aide. The goal of the program is to offer a well-rounded curriculum that will allow young people to appreciate the broad scope of the pork industry.

The new competition provides an incentive for ambassadors to be involved in promoting cooking pork and modern production practices to consumers. The participant that earns the most points will be awarded a $500 scholarship. Awards for various tiers of participation include a t-shirt, cooler and jacket. More details are available at www.Ohio Pork.org.

The Youth Pork Leadership Institute is open to any Ohio youth between the ages of 16 and 21 who has an interest in the pork industry. It will be held June 13-15 in Columbus and all expenses will be covered by the Ohio Soybean Council, Ohio Pork Producers Council and the pork check-off. Applications will be accepted until April 23. To apply, an application must be completed along with a resume. Applications are available on the OPPC website at www.ohiopork.org. For additional information or applications contact the Ohio Pork Producers Council at 5930 Sharon Woods Blvd., Suite 101, Columbus, OH 43229 or call 800-320-7991.