The Lofton Scholarship Fund

The MEDA Professional Development Committee, with full authority of the Board of Directors, is very pleased to announce that we will award scholarships this year to MEDA members in good standing through the Lofton Scholarship Fund. Our intention is to make the application process simple by allowing you to submit all documents through our email system.

We invite all members to apply. Please review the criteria below and send your request for consideration.

The Lofton Scholarship Fund Committee

• David W. Edgerley, Consultant, Edgerley Consulting
• Trish Heidenreich, CEcD, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Economic Development Initiatives Group
• Michael S. Lofton, CEcD, MEDA Hall of Fame
• Dawn Medley, President and Chief Executive Officer, FSC First
• Richard W. Story, CEcD, MEDA Hall of Fame
• Timothy R. Troxell, CEcD, Advisor, Government Affairs, First Energy

What is the Lofton Scholarship Fund?

The Lofton Scholarship Fund is an offering of the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) and exists to support the growth of professional skills and knowledge by economic development practitioners in Maryland.

Objectives of the Fund:

1. To provide funding to MEDA members for professional development opportunities in their economic development work.
2. To provide funding to enable MEDA members to become eligible for certification to sit for the CEcD examination.

Criteria for Selection:

• Applicants must be MEDA members in good standing or have an application for membership pending (membership dues do not qualify as part of the scholarship).
• Members must live or work in Maryland in order to apply for a Lofton Scholarship
• Applications for IEDC courses leading to certification must be received at least 14 days prior to the course start date. 
• Applications for the Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course must be received at least 7 days prior to the course start date. 
• Applications for re-certification (50% conference fees) must be received at least 14 days prior to the early bird rate increase.
• Applicants must demonstrate dedication to the profession and intent to continue within the field.
• Scholarships must be used for the course it was awarded for or approval must be granted by the committee to transfer use to another course.  Scholarships cannot be used for training/courses completed prior to the award.
• Awardees are expected to give back to the organization in a meaningful way. Suggestions include but are not limited to:
  • Contributing a silent auction item to help replenish the fund
  • Assisting with registration at an upcoming conference
  • Helping with outreach to potential sponsors

Eligible Activities/Courses:

Any MEDA or IEDC course approved by the Professional Development Committee qualifies for MEDA members who are not certified.  Courses designated as prerequisites for CEcD certification or recertification and sitting for the certification examination are eligible. Training courses at conferences are eligible with committee approval. Conference and annual conference fees are not eligible for scholarship funds for certification.  NEW!  If you are certified, and a MEDA member, you can apply for 50% of the conference costs for those conferences that are designated Level 1 (See “Criteria” for deadlines on applying).

The Details:

• Scholarships are limited to actual course registration costs. Scholarships also are limited to one scholarship, one course, per member each year.
• Scholarship payments must be used for tuition, books, and application fees. Housing, meals, and travel costs are not included.
• Each recipient will be responsible for making his/her own travel arrangements and for applying for course enrollment.
• Members who are not certified must apply for scholarships at least 14 days prior to the course start date, with the exception of the Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course which requires applications be received at least 7 days prior to the course start date. No late fees will be paid.  All IEDC courses are online now at www.iedconline.org.
• Members who are certified must apply for the 50% conference fee at least 14 days prior to the early bird deadline.

How to Apply for the Lofton Scholarship:

There are three parts of the application that should be submitted to the Scholarship Selection Committee. All documents must be submitted electronically using the form below to allow for seamless distribution to the committee.

Requirements include:

1. A letter of interest including the applicant’s name, title, company, phone number, and e-mail address, along with the applicant’s reasons for seeking the scholarship, the course he/she plans to take, and the estimated amount needed.  This letter should be signed by the applicant and be on company or personal letterhead.
2. The applicant’s resume.
3. A letter of recommendation signed by the applicant’s employer.

When submitting a request for funding, please take into account our volunteer committee’s schedule and allow ample time for fair consideration.

Lofton Scholarship Application Form

In order to apply, you need to be a MEDA member. Not a member? Join now!