Jim Graham Emerging Cooperator Scholarship

Honoring a legacy of cooperative leadership.

APPLICATION WINDOW OPENS AUGUST 24, 2026!

Over ninety years ago, a handful of farmers and neighbors from the Carolinas decided they'd get further working together than any of them could alone. That idea is still Principle 6 today: cooperation among cooperatives. Every year, we put that principle into practice, and it's through the Jim Graham Emerging Cooperators Scholarship, named after “The Sodfather”, that we endeavor to continue our investment in emerging leaders.

The Cooperative Council of the Carolinas (CCC) is awarding five $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors that have graduated as of July 1, 2026, from across North and South Carolina. Each award is paid directly to the college, technical school, or trade program the recipient attends the Spring 2027 semester (January 2027).

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE INFO AND SEE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

APPLICATION WINDOW: AUGUST 24, 2026-OCTOBER 15, 2026

APPLY NOW!

There is no application fee. This scholarship is open to all eligible students regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other legally protected status. Application materials are reviewed only by the Council's scholarship committee and used solely to evaluate applications and administer the award. This is a one-time, non-renewable award. Selected recipients are not eligible to reapply in a future year.

If you need an accommodation to complete this application, contact the Aisha Everett, Executive Director of CCC, at aishae@carolinascouncil.coop and we'll work with you directly.