DarlingCorps
Drake students who receive scholarships through the Darling Institute join the Student Conservation Corps, known as the DarlingCorps. The DarlingCorps empowers Drake University students to play a key role in leading effective, long-lasting change in rural communities.
Renewal and Innovation
Under the supervision of faculty mentors, DarlingCorps students partner with rural communities to complete a service or applied research project. These projects work to address challenges in fields such as healthcare, food security, economic development, community improvement, justice, the performing arts, and natural resource management.
Lorentzen Family Endowed DarlingCorps Scholarship
Thanks to a gift to The Ones campaign by John Lorentzen, BN’77, LA’77 and Penney Fillmer, the Lorentzen Family Endowed DarlingCorps Scholarship and an endowed research fund for the Jay N. Darling Institute was created in 2022.
Vanessa Southgate—the first recipient of the scholarship, completed a comprehensive habitat and land management plan for local landowners in Deer Grove, IL that combined profitability with sustainability.
“This is hands-on training that will help Vanessa prepare for her career as a sustainability coordinator,” says Paul and Claudia Schickler Executive Director of the Darling Institute, Keith Summerville.
PharmD and Law Students
Drake University PharmD and Law students will also have an opportunity to receive DarlingCorps Scholarships and make a difference in rural communities by putting their expertise into action.
- PharmD students will participate in programming specific to rural healthcare and complete a summer internship in a rural practice setting, using their ideas to transform pharmacy practice.
- While first-year law students will propose and complete a summer project designed to significantly impact rural communities.
How can I get involved?
Are you interested in supporting grassland conservation efforts and similar initiatives across the globe? Consider donating to the Jay N. Darling Institute to help provide Drake students with experiential education opportunities.
