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Kayley Edwards is glad she is pursuing avian biology associate degree at the University of North Georgia (UNG).

"It's small enough for me to have one-on-one instruction with my professors," the junior from Jefferson, Georgia, said. "On our first day of class, we got a hands-on lesson. I also remember the first day I dissected a bird."

This is a prime example of the experience students in the poultry science program receive at UNG. Aware of this success, the U.S. Poultry and Egg Foundation awarded UNG with a $7,000 grant to promote its program and recruit and educate students interested in poultry science at UNG.

"It feels good to receive this grant," Dr. Linda Purvis, assistant professor of biology, said. "It shows that UNG's program is stable and U.S. Poultry Foundation wants to support us."

The grant also supports the Poultry Science Club's outreach events such as the "Poultry 101" event, which is open to students in grades 5-12. The recruitment event allows students to practice their poultry judging skills. They also tour UNG's Gainesville Campus, which is the headquarters of the poultry science program.

Austin Hill from Commerce, Georgia, said Poultry 101 teaches students about the poultry industry and shares career opportunities with them.

"It produces a healthy competition atmosphere for the students and shows them a college campus," the junior pursuing a poultry science associate degree said. "It also lets them see live animals and interact with them."

UNG's students also benefit from the grant, which supplies funds for students to attend the International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta.