Public transportation, when done well, can be awesome. It is relatively cheap (have you seen gas and car insurance prices lately!?), quick, and eco-friendly. Public transportation is also something that is ALWAYS a hot-button political issue. The American Public Transportation Foundation supports professionals in the public transportation industry.
Every year, the APTA offers 10 different scholarships of $2,500 for qualifying college upperclassmen (sophomores, juniors, and seniors) and graduate students who are interested in fields of study related to the transportation industry. Remember that this can relate to a number of different majors including civil engineering, statistics, and public policy among others.
The specific scholarships are (more information on each award can be found on the APTA site):
- Jack R. Gilstrap Scholarship
- Parsons Brinkerhoff/Jim Lammie Scholarship
- Louis T. Klauder Scholarship
- Dan M. Reichard, Jr. Scholarship
- Dr. George M. Smerk Scholarship
- Richard J. Bouchard Scholarship
- Florida Public Transportation Association Scholarship (FPTA)
- Reba Malone Scholarship
- Raymond C. Miller Scholarship
- Shirley DeLibero Scholarship
Depending on funds, there may be some extra awards given, so this should give you all an extra incentive to start working on your applications!
To be eligible, students must have been nominated by member of the APTF or a member of an APTF member organization. Additionally, students must have a 3.0 in their coursework and demonstrated interest in the public transportation industry.
Additionally, applicants must complete a 1,000 word essay that answers the question of “In what segment of the public transportation industry will you make a career and why?” Students must also obtain three letters of recommendations pertaining to the public transportation industry.
Finally, the following components must be included in the application packet:
- Copy of the student’s FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form
- An official transcript
- Verification of college or graduate school enrollment for the fall 2011 semester
- Copy of the “fee schedule” from the college or graduate school for the entire academic year
- A completed Applicant & Sponsor Certification Form (which can be found online)
The application for the scholarship is available online and the scholarship is due June 10, 2011!
If you have any questions you can contact the Scholarship Director, Yvette E. Conley through telephone (202.496.4868) or through email (yconley@apta.com).
Best of luck to all applicants and if you want to get a scholarship in your inbox EVERYDAY click here!
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