Research and Higher Education

At CoBank, we believe that research and education play a vital role in the health of rural America, today and in the future. CoBank has supported many land grant universities and other institutions that are developing the next generation of American farmers, ranchers and rural business leaders. The research they conduct fosters knowledge and innovation that benefits rural industries—from agriculture to energy to international trade in commodities.

Through a multi-million-dollar donor-advised fund established with the Cooperative Development Foundation, CoBank supports grants to universities and colleges whose programs are consistent with its corporate citizenship programs and objectives. CoBank is proud to partner with CDF to support its commitment to higher education.

The bank also supports programs promoting the advancement of minority students in agriculture. The CoBank Agriculture Scholarship, offered through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, provides scholarships for students studying agriculture or ag-related programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities or Predominantly Black Institutions. And the National Migrant Scholars Internship Initiative, managed by Michigan State University, provides internship opportunities to the children of migrant farm workers who are fi rst-generation college students.

CoBank’s direct contributions and grants made through the CDF CoBank Advised Fund support:

  • Scholarships that enable promising students to study agribusiness, finance, business administration and related disciplines.
  • Endowments of professorships to support research and instruction in fields such as commodities and agricultural economics.
  • Financial support for university centers focused on the study and advancement of cooperatives.
  • Support for vocational training programs at community and technical colleges to help produce the technicians and other skilled service people who are vital to rural industries and communities.
CoBank has supported many land grant universities and other institutions that are developing the next generation of American farmers, ranchers and rural business leaders.
Med Students on the Rural Track

University of Colorado School of Medicine

University of Missouri
Helping Cooperative Leaders Grow Professionally

University of Missouri Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership

Face Mask University of Colorado Center for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention
Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention in Rural America

University of Colorado Center for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention