March 2, 2023
More than $1M in cooperative scholarships awarded to College of Agriculture students since '85
Submitted by Arthur Capper Cooperative Center
A milestone in cooperative scholarship awards was reached in the 2022-2023 academic year.
Since 1985, $1,013,130 in cooperative scholarships have been awarded to 439 Kansas State University College of Agriculture and agricultural economics department students through the Arthur Capper Cooperative Center in the K-State agricultural economics department on behalf of the cooperative community.
Brian Briggeman, professor of agricultural economics and director of the Arthur Capper Cooperative Center, noted the value of the cooperative scholarship program.
"Cooperatives and cooperative leaders are strong supporters of Kansas State University," Briggeman said. "One way co-ops show this support is through the cooperative scholarship program, which directly benefits K-State students. Scholarship recipients connect directly to the cooperative community, and the generosity of co-ops will continue with future generations of K-Staters."
The first cooperative scholarship was awarded in 1985 to Jeff Bechard of Clay Center as part of the cooperative student internship program. The cooperative scholarship program has grown over the years to include memorial scholarships, cooperative leader scholarships and scholarships provided by regional cooperatives/service providers who partner with Kansas State University. In 2022-2023, the center awarded 18 cooperative scholarships totaling $67,514, ranging from $1,900 to full tuition and fees for 15 credit hours for two semesters. The next award cycle will be starting soon.
More information on the cooperative scholarship program can be found on the center's website.
The Arthur Capper Cooperative Center was established in 1984 as a public-private partnership between the Kansas Cooperative Council and the K-State agricultural economics department. The purpose of the center is to determine, develop and deliver research, education and outreach on cooperative issues. The cooperative scholarship program was one of the first ways the center was able to connect university students and cooperatives.