To be eligible for the award:

• Have registered for a co-op course and completed a co-op experience during Spring 2024, Summer 2024, or Fall 2024
• Have completed at least 2 co-op work terms and registered for a co-op course during each experience

To apply:

• Submit a 1-page statement describing your experience and the value the experience has on your career path and/or personal life. Also, explain the impact you made for your employer. 
• Submit a minimum of 1, maximum of 2, letters of reference from those at your workplace who can attest to the impact you made for your employer (must be a full-time employee). 
• Submit a statement from the instructor of your co-op or internship course confirming completion of all assignments associated with the course

Established in 2007, the four scholarships honor the memory of the late Leonard E. Wood. Wood received his PhD from Purdue University in 1956 and subsequently joined the faculty as a Professor of Civil Engineering. He then became the School of Civil Engineering Faculty Coordinator for Purdue’s Cooperative Education Program in 1989, a role he continued in until his untimely death in 2004. The scholarship fund exists thanks to a generous donation from Professor Wood’s widow, Margaret, who sought to honor his dedication to the Co-op program, while enabling the achievement of today’s Co-op students. OPP has awarded 32 Wood Scholarships since 2007 including this year’s recipients. The Leonard E. Wood Scholarship for Cooperative Education is awarded to deserving Co-op students based on academic merit and life-changing experiences brought about by the Co-op program. Cooperative education never had a greater friend, supporter, or promoter and no one better exemplified the Co-op value of practical education as a mentor, counselor and teacher.

William and Linda Nelson have been long-standing generous supporters of Purdue’s Co-op Program. William (Bill) is a graduate from Purdue University in 1974 earning a BS, and a year later, MS in Chemical Engineering. Having over 40 years of industry experience, Bill has recieved many awards to honor his accomplishments. Most recently, he has been inducted into the 2013 Cooperative Education Hall of Fame as well as been honored as a 2017 Outstanding Chemical Engineer by Purdue University. An endowment fund was established by Bill and Linda November of 2011, and amended December 2017. The purpose of the amendment was to encourage participation in Co-op and reduce the student’s time to graduate. Steps to establish, support and maintain this goal resulted in the creation of annual scholarships to Co-op students. Additionally, incentive grants for instructors offering on-campus and/or online courses for Co-op students have been generated in support.

Office of Professional Practice alumni in both Co-op & GEARE programs continue to be generous supporters for the student experience. The OPP Impact scholarship is supported by various alumni & employer contributions and is awarded yearly. These awards are given to OPP students who demonstrate excellence and involvement in work-integrated learning.