Birgit M. Kloh's Fellowship
For Women and Minorities to Build Their Career
in Economic Development
Applications Open Today!
About the Birgit M. Klohs Fellowship
The goal of the fellowship is to increase women and minority participation in economic development in a way that supports Michigan Economic Developer Associations’ (MEDA's) membership, its committees, and the organization as a whole, by increasing opportunities for the education needed to build each recipient’s skills and abilities in economic development.
About Birgit M. Klohs, Founder/Executive Chair, New Community Transformation Fund (left) first joined MEDA in 1977 when she worked for the Berrien County Economic Development Corporation and was one of MEDA’s first three female members. In 2021, Birgit retired after 33 years of leadership at The Right Place, Inc., the premier economic development entity in West Michigan, following a very successful and respectable career. Birgit was Honorary Co-chair of MEDA's 2021 Annual Meeting Committee and recently became the first female Lifetime Member.
Apply for the Fellowship
Activities, Qualifications, and Award Amount
Activities
The fellowship includes training and professional development including, but not limited to:
Education: MEDA Programs, IEDC Programs, NDC Programs, Regional EDO Programs, MEDC/RRC Programs, MML Programs, ISM Programs
Staff Development: Planning, Board Development, Program Development, Communications, Policy, and Research
Networking: MEDA Programs, Regional EDO Programs, Expos related to economic development
Qualifications
The appropriate candidate will be a woman or minority who is looking to actively participate in economic development and needs assistance with the monetary aspect. The highest consideration for candidates applying for the fellowship will be given to early-career economic development professionals as demonstrated through a review of the candidate's resume and professional letters of support.
Award Amount
The awardee will receive a monetary amount that the MEDA subcommittee deems fit in response to the awardee’s application not to exceed $2,000. The awardee will receive the monetary award via expense reimbursement once the event/training/etc. is purchased. The Fellowship subcommittee will require the awardee to send in receipts and any other documents they deem fit in order to reimburse the awardee.
Timeline
March 28 - Application Process Opens
May 17 - Applications Due
July 5 - Awardee Notified
2024 Annual Meeting (August 15) - Awardee Presented During Awards Reception
2025 Annual Meeting - Awardee talks about what the Fellowship did for them. Next awardee presented.
Application Process and Materials
Click here for the fellowship application.
Please send a resume, cover letter, answers to the supplemental questions asked in the application, and letter(s) of support to Catie at catie@medaweb.org by the end of day on May 17, 2024.
Questions
Contact MEDA at 517-241-0011 or Catie Sowers at catie@medaweb.org with any questions.
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About MEDA
www.medaweb.org
The Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA), founded in 1960, exists to advance economic development throughout Michigan, and increase the individual member’s effectiveness in the economic development profession. The association’s goal is to provide a variety of services and programs that will enhance ability and skills in economic development.
Through in-person and virtual education on peer-developed topics, legislative updates, in-person and virtual networking opportunities, leadership development, mentoring, and much more, MEDA makes it possible for economic development professionals statewide to accomplish their goals more efficiently and effectively.
