Koch Fertilizer, LLC, has established a scholarship fund that will benefit students in three programs of study at Southeast Community College.
Richard Becker, executive director of the SCC Educational Foundation, said Koch has agreed to invest $40,000 over a two-year period. The scholarships will be earmarked for students enrolled in Electrical & Electromechanical Technology, Electronic Systems Technology and Energy Generation Operations.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for students in these three programs,” Becker said. “We are very appreciative of this generous contribution and the positive impact it will have on our students.”
In the first year, up to four $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to students entering the programs beginning with the 2013-2014 academic year, and up to three $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to students entering the second year of their program.
In year two, 2014-2015, up to four $2,500 scholarships will be awarded incoming students, up to three $2,500 scholarships will be awarded second-year students, and up to one $5,000 scholarship will be awarded a second-year student.
Koch Nitrogen Company, LLC, a subsidiary of Koch Fertilizer, operates a plant in Beatrice and has hired a number of SCC graduates in the past and also has participated in SCC’s internship and cooperative experience programs.
“We’re proud to be able to fund these scholarships for qualified students,” said Phil Joyner, Koch Nitrogen plant manager. “Through the years, we have enjoyed a positive relationship with SCC, and we’re looking forward to strengthening that partnership with this scholarship fund.”
To be eligible, students entering the programs must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher in high school, have applied for an SCC scholarship and have a desire to relocate after graduation. The scholarship application period for high school students is between Dec. 1 and Feb. 22.
To be eligible for a second-year scholarship, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher through the first half of their program, have applied for an SCC scholarship and have a desire to relocate after graduation. Current SCC students must apply for scholarships from May 1-22 for the Summer Quarter, Aug. 1-22 for Fall Quarter, Nov. 1-22 for the Winter Quarter, and from Dec. 1 through Feb. 22 for the Spring Quarter.
The scholarship application is online at www.southeast.edu/Scholarships.
Dependents or children of an employee of Koch Fertilizer, LLC or any of its subsidiaries are not eligible for participation. Koch Fertilizer, LLC is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Koch Industries, Inc., based in Wichita, Kan., one of the largest privately held companies in America.