Unlocking Opportunities: Middle America Scholarships for Aspiring Professionals

For individuals seeking to advance their careers and contribute to the economic vitality of Middle America, a range of scholarship opportunities are available. These scholarships aim to support educational pursuits, professional development, and community engagement, fostering a new generation of leaders in various fields.

The Bob Ady Scholarship Program

The Mid-America Economic Development Council (Mid-America EDC) offers the Bob Ady Scholarship program, designed to assist new economic development professionals in furthering their professional development through conference participation and mentoring. The scholarship focuses on the Midwest region and is available to both members and non-members of the Mid-America EDC. Preference is given to applicants new to economic development.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Applicants are evaluated based on their interest in economic development and their engagement with the Mid-America EDC organization. Additional consideration is given to applicants who reach out to board members from their state to express their interest and seek guidance.

Scholarship Benefits

Five scholarship recipients will be selected and will receive:

Registration to the 2025 Best Practices Conference May 13-15 in Stillwater, MN.
Mentoring from leaders in the Mid-America EDC region. Mentoring topics will be suggested, but recipients can customize their mentoring experience.

Application Details

To be considered for the 2025 Scholarship, applications must be submitted no later than March 21, 2025. The Mid-America Economic Development Council will review all applications and contact selected applicants in mid-February. Recipients are eligible to receive a Bob Ady scholarship only once, but unsuccessful applicants can reapply in subsequent years.

Mid-America EDC: A Resource for Economic Development

The Mid-America EDC is a multi-state association that serves as a leading resource for education, connections, and best practices for economic development professionals. The organization provides:

Resources to help professionals excel in economic development.
Recognition of quality economic development programs and marketing initiatives.
An awards program that rewards excellence.
Promotion of the 13-state region to attract site selectors and industries.
Networking opportunities to promote idea exchange and partnerships.

Brittany Ashby, Mid-America EDC Wyoming board member and chairperson of the 2024 Bob Ady Scholarship committee, emphasized the program's benefits: “Mid-America EDC is thrilled to continue this very beneficial offering to the economic development profession. This scholarship program allows for the organization to support economic development professionals from across the Midwest as they strive to improve their knowledge and skills via mentoring and participation at both conferences, while simultaneously networking with peers from across our region.”

2024 Scholarship Recipients

The 2024 Bob Ady Scholarship recipients included:

Dallas Gosselin, Executive Director, Norton County Economic Development - Norton, Kansas
Lisa McArthur, Vice President of Economic Development, Envision Greater Fond du Lac - Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Jalatama Omar, Economic Development Specialist, City of Pleasant Hill, Iowa
Gage Pace, Economic Development Manager, One Dearborn - Brookville, Indiana
Casey Peterson, Director of Business Attraction, BNEDC - Normal, Illinois

For more information about the Mid-America Economic Development Council, visit www.midamericaedc.org.

Scouting America, Mid-America Council Scholarship Opportunities

Scouting America, Mid-America Council offers many scholarship opportunities for Scouts.

Rev. John P. Charles W. Scholarship

This scholarship offers up to $12,000 towards your Nebraska College Education. And the best part? This is available because you are an Eagle Scout.

John and Doris Buford Legacy Scholarship

This scholarship is managed by the Midlands Foundation and is for those studying in the fields of nursing or pre-law. Preference is given to students with Scouting experience. Application is due each year in April.