Student Support
Student support has long been the lighthouse beacon in Demeter’s contributions to the CALS community. Members have contributed in amounts small and large to expand Demeter’s impact on undergraduate students in CALS. This support is distributed in the form of scholarships, research awards, internships, and grants to student organizations.
Support of students began in 1975-76 with a single $150 scholarship. The program has evolved over nearly 60 years as members have given annual donations and established endowed funds at UW Foundation under the Demeter umbrella. Scholarship recipients are chosen by the Scholarship Office in CALS Academic Affairs using criteria provided by Demeter while adhering to the wishes of endowment donors. Scholarship categories include merit, need, study abroad, and diversity.
Other forms of student support have been created over time to partially fund internships in CALS facilities and provide support to student organizations. Currently, internships are provided at Allen Centennial Garden and the Agricultural Research Stations at Arlington and West Madison. Student clubs apply to Demeter’s education committee for assistance in their extra-curricular educational activities. These have included participation in intercollegiate competitions, attending regional or national conventions, and more.
In recent years, total student support each academic year has been greater than $45,000. About 48% has been awarded for merit scholarships, 14% for study abroad scholars, 8% for diversity scholars, 4% for research scholars, 18% for internships, and 8% for student organizations.
What are the sources of these funds? Members and non-members generously contribute each year toward student support. Named endowments created at the UW Foundation by individuals are a continuing source of funds: Ethel & Oscar Allen, Carrie & Elton Aberle, Martha & Douglas Maxwell, Daisy & Glenn Pound, Jobelle & H. L. Shands, Elsa Thomsen, and Carole & Leo Walsh. In addition, an endowed Demeter Education Fund was established in 1979 at UW Foundation to which individuals can make donations.
The Demeter Education Committee makes recommendations to the Demeter Board of Directors for the allocation of funds among programs. The committee consists of the four executive committee members of the Demeter Board of Directors and six appointed members; each year the incoming President can name two members to serve three-year terms to replace members who rotate off. The work of the committee is shared among the chair and coordinators for scholarships, internships, club grants, and communication.
The March 2023 Demeter Newsletter gives a detailed look at the sources of student support, how those are distributed, and how individuals may contribute. For the 2023-24 academic year, Demeter will contribute the following funds towards support of students:
- Scholarships $27,000
- Research Award $2,000
- Study Abroad $7,000
- Internships $9,000
- Student Organizations $4,000
Grand Total = $49,000
Opportunities for Contributing to Student Support are listed on the Donation page.