The Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) is proud to announce a new partnership with the Michael P. Hickey Foundation to expand opportunities for economic development professionals across the American South through scholarships supporting membership, professional development, and international engagement.

Established in memory of Michael P. Hickey, founder of Hickey & Associates and a respected leader in the site selection and economic development profession, the Foundation carries forward his legacy by investing in education and professional development. Its work reflects a lasting commitment to strengthening the profession by creating opportunities for people to learn, grow, and lead.

Through this partnership, SEDC and the Michael P. Hickey Foundation will bring that commitment to life through three scholarship opportunities, each designed to remove barriers to experiences that can strengthen careers, broaden perspectives, and build the next generation of economic development leaders.

SEDC Membership Scholarship

The SEDC Membership Scholarship will cover the cost of SEDC membership for one eligible recipient, providing access to SEDC's network, programs, resources, and opportunities to engage with economic development professionals across the American South.

Professional Development Scholarship

The Professional Development Scholarship will provide up to $1,000 toward eligible professional development expenses. Funds may be used for conferences, educational programs, training, and other qualified activities that support the recipient's growth as an economic development professional.

FDI Mission Scholarship

The FDI Mission Scholarship will provide up to $9,500, on a reimbursable basis, for one eligible SEDC member to participate in an SEDC foreign direct investment mission. Eligible expenses may include mission registration, economy-level airfare, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, and other qualified travel expenses associated with the mission. SEDC's FDI missions provide economic development professionals with opportunities to engage directly with international companies and investors, gain insight into global markets and investment trends, build relationships abroad, and showcase the American South as a premier destination for investment.

SEDC is deeply grateful to the Michael P. Hickey Foundation for making these opportunities possible. This partnership honors Michael Hickey's contributions to economic development in a fitting way: by investing in the people who will carry the profession forward. We encourage eligible economic development professionals and SEDC members to apply and take advantage of these opportunities.



Submission of an application does not guarantee approval or receipt of a scholarship. All applications will be reviewed by the corresponding SEDC committees. SEDC and the Michael P. Hickey Foundation reserve the right, but are not required, to award scholarships based on applicant eligibility and qualifications. Scholarship funds are subject to the terms and conditions of each scholarship and the availability of funds.