Student Scholarships and Engagement
The Grisham-McLean Institute offers student scholarships and engagement opportunities that empower students to make a meaningful impact in Mississippi communities. Through service-learning, internships, and community-based research, students can apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges, fostering leadership and civic responsibility.
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2024-2025 CEED cohort with Grisham-McLean staff
Catalyzing Entrepreneurship & Economic Development
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The Program
The Catalyzing Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) Initiative works with students and faculty to build actionable partnerships with Mississippi communities. These partnerships inspire a sense of entrepreneurship in our scholars while promoting economic development in rural Mississippi communities.
The CEED Initiative is funded with generous support from the Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation.
Contact Tracee Brooks for more information.
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The Innovation Fellowship
The Grisham-McLean Institute sponsors one graduate student as an Innovation Fellow each year. Fellows are exemplary students with innovative ideas for addressing poverty-related problems in Mississippi as graduate assistants affiliated with the Grisham-McLean Institute. The Innovation Fellow assists in leading the programmatic work of the CEED program in partner communities. Fellows will receive $20,000 each year to cover in-state tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend. Fellows receive additional stipends for research/planning within their project area.
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The Innovation Scholars
Each year, the Grisham-McLean Institute selects a cohort of Innovation Scholars—exceptional students recognized for their leadership and academic excellence. These scholars apply their skills and passion to support Mississippi communities and organizations focused on expanding economic opportunities, particularly in rural areas. With a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and economic development, students from any major work closely with the institute to secure a meaningful summer internship. Supported by scholarships and programmatic resources, these Innovation Scholars form the next generation of community leaders and entrepreneurs, advancing economic growth and opportunity across the state.
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Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation
The Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation is a foundation that provides grants to specified educational institutions and public charities. The foundation provides grants to the University of Mississippi for teaching, engineering, business/entrepreneurship, science/advanced manufacturing, and other purposes.
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Office of Economic Development
Economic development at the University of Mississippi is fostered through the synergy of talent and place to yield innovations. Our unique assets, the UM Advantage, contribute to the origination and support of projects that improve the economic status of citizens in Mississippi and enhance the quality of life for individuals throughout the world.
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