The SEDC Educational Foundation annually awards one Bob Cassell memorial scholarship per year. To be considered, this application must be returned by November 1st, 2021.  Scholarship recipients will be announced by December 1st, 2021.  The scholarships are given on a reimbursement basis, after the grantee has completed their program of interest.  Award winners must provide SEDC with proof of attendance/payment and will be reimbursed as soon as possible. Scholarship recipients will be announced in January and must be used during the 2022 calendar year.

Bob Cassell Memorial Scholarship (one awarded at $1,000):
This scholarship will be awarded to the organization of an SEDC member and be used to attend one of the Basic Economic Development Courses in the SEDC region.  The scholarship can be used by a member, non-member or volunteer of the organization.  

Robert B. Cassell (1918-2012)
Bob entered college at the University of Chattanooga at 14 and earned a Master's Degree in History from Vanderbilt University at the tender age of 21. He was a US Army veteran of World War II. Following his military service, Bob worked in Economic Development for the state of Tennessee and later for the Georgia Institute of Technology. He was a recognized leader of his profession, serving as President of both the Southern Industrial Development Council (now Southern Economic Development Council) and the American Industrial Development Council (now International Economic Development Council). He was the founder of the Georgia Tech Basic Economic Development Course in 1967 and was a founder and leading faculty member of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma. He served as the executive director of SIDC from 1969- 1992.  He was the long-time editor of several professional newsletters and authored numerous economic studies. His devotion to his profession was best exemplified by the number of younger professionals for whom he served as a mentor as well as a friend and colleague.

Applicants and their sponsor(s) or employer should understand the rules associated with the scholarships. Please review the following before submitting an application:

Guidelines for Bob Cassell Memorial Scholarship:
1.    Scholarship payment must be used for tuition, housing and meals. Travel costs and other incidental expenses are the responsibility of recipient.
2.    Each recipient will be responsible for making his/her own travel arrangements and applying for course enrollment.
3.    SEDC will reimburse recipient at completion of the course upon submittal of proof of enrollment and payment.
4.    The Scholarship monies must be used within the calendar year specified.
 
Objectives of scholarships:
1.   To provide funding to attend one of the Basic Economic Development Courses in the SEDC region.
2.   To ensure the highest trained and prepared individuals in economic development in the country.
 
Criteria for selection:
1.   Scholarships will be awarded based on need.
2.   Applicant organization must have at least one SEDC member in good standing.
3.   Applicants must demonstrate service to the profession and intent to continue professional or volunteer service within the field.
4.   Scholarships must be used within the calendar year specified and cannot be used for attendance at a Basic Economic Development Course prior to awarding.
5.   Scholarship must be used at a Basic Economic Development Course in the SEDC 17 state region