In an effort to increase enrollment in business degree programs at colleges and universities nationwide, companies are establishing grants to be awarded to these schools. Receiving this funding could result in many academic benefits, including new courses and financial aid opportunities.
For example, the Meinders School of Business at Oklahoma City University (OCU) recently received a five-year $5 million grant from Chesapeake Energy Corporation. The natural gas provider donated the money to create scholarships and new company-based courses for business school enrollees, according to BusinessWeek.com.
Each year, a total of 17 business students will be accepted into the Chesapeake President Leadership Course, which gives individuals the chance to be a part of research, internships and workshops on both the national and international level.
"There isn't a university in the country right now that doesn't need the help," said Martha Burger, vice president of human and corporate resources at the company, quoted by the news source. She added that being located near OCU meant that "Chesapeake could help."
In 2008, the average annual salaries for MBA degree holders ranged from $73,510 to $171,583 in 2008, depending on the field, position and years of experience, PayScale.com reports.
