The Authorities Future Leaders Scholarship was created to increase knowledge and awareness of authority service and the need for qualified employees in the industry.

The scholarship program has recognized four individuals with funding totaling $6,000 since it began in 2023.

Fundraising initiatives allow replenishment of the scholarship fund to continue to recognize and assist industry leaders with qualified educational expenses.

What is an Authority?
Authorities are governmental bodies created to finance and/or operate specific public works projects (i.e. water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, transportation, parking, etc.) without tapping the general taxing powers of the municipality. Authorities are established under the Municipality Authorities Act (53 Pa.C.S.Ch.56). It is estimated there are more than 2,600 municipal authorities in the Commonwealth.

Purpose:
The purpose of the scholarship is to increase knowledge and awareness of authority service and the need for qualified employees in the industry. Authorities operate with employees trained in business, management, operations and the trades with authority service areas including, but not limited to, public water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste and recycling, airports, transportation, parking, redevelopment, emergency/medical, recreation, etc.

Award
Scholarship(s) at a minimum of $1,000 and up to $3,000 each will be announced for recipient(s) by the end of April 2025. Recognition of winner(s) will formally occur at the PMAA Annual Conference in September, or another predetermined PMAA event.

Eligibility

• Applicant must be a student enrolled in high school, technical school, undergraduate or graduate college or university
  OR
• an employee of a PMAA member municipal authority pursuing continuing education or credentialing/certification with less than two years employment in the industry.
• The scholarship may be used for education-related expenses such as tuition, books, or enrollment/registration fees for professional development or credential coursework.
• The scholarship may not be used to cover stipends or wages.
• Previous applicants may reapply in subsequent years as long as they meet eligibility requirements above

Scholarship Funding

2024 Silent Auction Benefits Scholarship Fund

Special thanks to the supporters of this year's Silent Auction and Scholarship Fund. More than $7,000 was raised to benefit The Authorities Future Leaders Scholarships.

Donations will be accepted annually to support future industry leaders: Donation Form for The Authorities Future Leaders Scholarship Fund (PDF).

Contact Mandi Glantz at (717) 737-7655 x160 for more information.