Greenwell Springs, LA – Since 1997, DEMCO has supported students seeking higher education through the DEMCO Scholarship and DEMCO Foundation Scholarship Programs.
“The DEMCO Scholarship program and the DEMCO Foundation scholarships are vital components of our mission to empower the next generation,” says Randy Pierce, DEMCO chief executive officer and general manager. “This is your co-op at work in your community, building a brighter future for all.”
At the co-op annual membership meeting held on May 11, 2024, DEMCO Scholarships were awarded to fifty members, selected from a pool of 156 applicants through a random drawing.
Due to legislative changes made in 1993, unclaimed deposits are allowed to remain in a general scholarship fund to assist DEMCO co-op member students. “Keeping these residual funds with the co-op means we have funding power to support local students, making higher education more accessible to families in the community, rather than forwarding the monies to the state’s general treasury fund," said Pierce.
DEMCO's commitment to education is also exemplified through the DEMCO Foundation Scholarship Program. Established as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1997, the DEMCO Foundation has awarded scholarships to DEMCO members who plan to attend an accredited university, trade school, vocational or technical school, community college, or educational program in the state of Louisiana.
Since 1997, DEMCO has awarded $1.8 million in scholarship funding to co-op member students.
Winners of both scholarship programs must meet all eligibility requirements for the 2024/2025 academic year for each of two consecutive semesters.
“As a cooperative, DEMCO is dedicated to serving its members and the community, reflecting the core values of the co-op business model: member service, community support, and mutual aid. Investing in our youth not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens our entire community,” adds Pierce. “Through these scholarships, we are making a lasting impact that will be felt for generations.”
For more information about these two scholarship programs, please visit DEMCO.org/Community.