2021 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Florida Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA), is designed to assist those individuals who are pursuing a career in the public works field. Encompassing disciplines from engineering, public administration, or continuing education for career enhancement of public agency employees is the philosophy of the Association. This assistance in education promotes and ensures a continuation of the high level of skill, talent, and professionalism that is the pride of every member.

For more than one hundred years, the APWA, and its Chapters traditionally strive for the advancement and continued development of all of the various components that make up the public works family. It is incumbent upon the membership of the Florida Chapter to lend a helping hand to those who have chosen the public works field as their career. The Scholarship Program is an integral part of achieving this goal.

In addition to traditional college or university scholarships, the Florida Chapter APWA will be awarding scholarships to individuals that are enrolled or have recently attended the Florida Public Works Institute or a Public Works Academy programs. The Florida Public Works Institute program and Public Works Academies provide leadership, management and operational training for public works employees who are looking to enhance their skills and advance their careers by developing an emphasis in real-world situations.

SCHOLARSHIP CATEGORIES

The Florida Chapter Scholarship Program includes four (5) categories for which scholarships are awarded:

1. CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: Awarded to a full or part-time employee of a public works agency who is currently registered for or recently attended formal training to enhance their professional development for public works employment or advancement opportunities. Examples of training include (but not limited to): heavy equipment certification; APWA Emerging Leaders Academy; Florida Water and Pollution Control Operators Association courses; CDL; and entry level college courses that pertain to the Public Works field. Up to $1,000 Award. 

2. PUBLIC WORKS ACADEMY PROGRAM: Awarded to an individual who is currently enrolled or has recently attended a Public Works Academy program to enhance their personal and professional development for public works employment opportunities or advancement. Up to $500 Award.

3. PUBLIC WORKS INSTITUTE PROGRAM: Awarded to an individual who is currently enrolled or has recently attended the Florida Public Works Institute program to enhance their personal and professional development for public works employment opportunities or advancement. Up to $500 Award.

4. UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM: Awarded to a college student who is currently enrolled and has earned at least 60 credit hours through enrollment at an accredited college or university, seeking a Bachelor Degree in a government related or public works related field. Up to $1,000 Award.

5. GRADUATE PROGRAM: Awarded to a person who is currently enrolled and pursuing an advanced degree in Public Works Engineering, Public Administration or other public works related field at an accredited college or university. Up to $1,000 Award.

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

• Award amounts are determined each year by the Florida Chapter Executive Committee.
• Funds shall be used for fees including, but not limited to, tuition and books at an accredited private college, state university or college, technical centers and agencies, Florida Public Works Institute or Florida Public Works Academy; or for documented registration and travel expenses related to first time attendance at APWA Florida Chapter Expo, APWA National PWX, or other public works related conference at the discretion of the committee.
• Upon request, recipients shall furnish receipts to the Scholarship Committee, validating proper use of funds. Failure to furnish receipts, or spending funds on unapproved items, will result in the applicant being ineligible for future funding.
• Note: A lifetime limit of $2,000 per degree or program will be strictly enforced.
  

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

The Florida Chapter Scholarship Committee Chairperson will inform each applicant, prior to the Annual Meeting and Trade Show, as to the status of their application and the date the scholarship will be awarded. SCHOLARSHIPS SHALL BE PRESENTED IN CATEGORIES AS DETERMINED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The application procedure is as follows:

A. Obtain an application in any of the following ways:
        1. Contact a member of the American Public Works Association Branch in the applicant’s area and request an application.
        2. Contact the Florida Chapter Scholarship Committee Chairperson and request an application.
        3. Contact the appropriate guidance counselor at the college or university the applicant attends and request a Florida Chapter Scholarship Application.
        4. Visit the Florida Chapter APWA website at APWAFlorida.com and download a copy.  

B. Complete the application. Include all requested information. Incomplete applications, applications that do not include the requested documents and information, and applications not received by the submittal deadline will not be considered for award.

C. All applicants must provide a personal statement that addresses the following questions. (Personal statements should not exceed two pages in fonts no smaller than 10pt, double space).
    a. Why are you interested in the field of Public Works?
    b. In what area of Public Works do you intend to pursue a career?
    c. How do you plan to learn more and be involved in the APWA?
    d. How do you currently participate in your community and/or the Public Works professional community?
    e. Where do you see yourself after graduation? 

D. Return the application via email with the application and scanned documentation attached, to the Florida Chapter Scholarship Committee Chairperson:
Sam May, Scholarship Chair
Scholarships@APWAFlorida.org

Or scholarship may be submitted in hard copy format to:

Sam May, Scholarship Chair
City of North Lauderdale, Public Works Department
701 SW 71st Avenue
North Lauderdale, FL 33068
    
E. Deadline for Submittal is August 31st, 2021. Applicants are responsible for submitting all materials on time. Incomplete or late applications will not be evaluated. Students in Scholarship Categories 1-5 will be considered year round and are not subject to the deadline.

F. Scholarships are awarded for one year only. Applicants must apply for award each year. The actual number of scholarships awarded each year is contingent upon available Chapter funds.

G. The total number of scholarships and amount awarded in each category may vary each year.

H. The Scholarship Chairperson shall conduct the presentation of the scholarship award at the Florida Chapter Expo Awards and Scholarship Banquet held Friday, November 5th, 2021 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando, Florida. Scholarship recipients are required to attend this meeting to receive the award, unless absence is approved by the Scholarship Committee.

2021 Scholarship Application (CLICK HERE)