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The Authorities Future Leaders Scholarship

PurposeMelissa_Shunk_Scholarship_2023_-_caption
The purpose of the scholarship is to increase knowledge and awareness of Authority service and the need for qualified employees in the industry. Authority service may include, but is not limited to, public water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste and recycling, airports, transportation, parking, redevelopment, emergency/medical, recreation, etc. Pennsylvania authorities are established under the Municipality Authorities Act (53 Pa.C.S.Ch.56) or the Parking Authority Law (53 Pa.C.S.Ch.55).

Award
$1,000 scholarship(s) will be awarded to the recipient(s) by the end of May 2024. Recognition of winner(s) will also occur at the 2024 PMAA Annual Conference in September.
 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applicant must be a student enrolled in a 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 of 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.

Selection Criteria

  • Clarity of goals and objectives outlined via the personal essay

  • Resume showing interest in and pursuit of the field of study or interest in entering the industry

  • Plan for use of scholarship funding

  • An understanding of the structure and work of Pennsylvania municipal authorities (optional)


Application Procedures

  • Application must be submitted with the following:

    • A Personal Essay (to include goals/objectives and how the scholarship will be used to attain future goals),

    • A Resume (to include community involvement, internships and other experiences), and

    • A minimum of one letter of recommendation.

    • Optional: Applicants may provide an additional paragraph in their essay showing an understanding of the work of a municipal authority and how it impacts their community.