FPTA/FTAFC Scholarship Program

In furthering our Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA) goals to increase and retain the number of individuals choosing the transit field as a career, the Florida Transit Association Finance Corporation (FTAFC) has created a scholarship program to award college students or transit professionals who are interested in pursuing or advancing in a career in public transportation. The program will be separated into two scholarships as follows:

Academic Scholarship

One (1) available – $5,000

Eligibility for the Academic Scholarship

The academic scholarship of $5,000 is for an individual who meets the following criteria:

  • Enrolled in a fully accredited institution and are college sophomores (30 hours or more satisfactorily completed), juniors, seniors, or those seeking advanced degrees.
  • Have and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in course work that is relevant to the industry or required of a degree program.
  • Demonstrate a strong interest in entering the public transportation industry.
  • Employed or sponsored by a member of FPTA (for a list of current members, visit the Directory tab on the FPTA website).

    Technical Scholarship

    Up to two (2) available – $2,500 each

    Eligibility for the Technical Scholarship

    Up to two (2) candidates may be selected, who will receive an amount of $2,500 each. Our technical scholarship is for those who meet the following criteria:

    • Enrolled in a fully accredited Technical College or State College, or employed at a Florida transit agency.
    • Have and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA in course work that is relevant to the industry or required of a degree program.
    • Demonstrate a strong interest in entering or remaining a technician in the public transportation industry.
    • Employed or sponsored by a member of FPTA (for a list of current members, visit the Directory tab on the FPTA website).

      Timeline

      The application and scholarship award process will follow the timeline below:

      • March 20th – Call for Applications announced
      • June 5th at 11:59 p.m. (EDT) – Application Deadline
      • June-July – FTAFC Board/Committee Members will review and select scholarship recipients
      • By August 14 – Applicants will be notified

      Application Materials

      Scholarship applications for both the academic and technical scholarships require the following materials:

      Essay (1,000 words max.)

      *Note: Submissions with plagiarism, including AI, will not be considered. Essay prompt: In what segment of the public transportation industry will you make a career and why? How will this Scholarship impact you, personally and/or professionally?

      Two (2) letters of recommendation

      Recommendations must not come from relatives.
      Letters of recommendation should address your commitment, demonstrated interest, and career goals in public transportation.

      One (1) letter must be from your sponsoring active FPTA Member (for a list of current members, visit the Directory tab on the FPTA website).

      Statement of financial need

      (500 words max.)
      Include any deficits in a financial aid package, family income, and personal need (personal need may also include special circumstances, such as personal hardship or financial difficulty that contributes to the applicant’s financial need).

      Scholarship intention

      Provide a list of what you intend to use the scholarship for.

      Transcript documenting good academic standing

      Include a school transcript from your school verifying you are in good academic standing and that you are maintaining the required class load.

      Verification of enrollment

      Include a letter from school or course schedule to prove enrollment for the upcoming fall semester.

      Selection Process

      The FTAFC Board will select the scholarship recipients. The selection criteria includes demonstrated interest in the public transportation industry as a career, academic achievement, essay content and quality, need for financial assistance, and involvement in extracurricular citizenship and leadership activities. Selection will be made without regard to disability, race, color, religion, sex or ethnic origin. It is the intent of this program to provide equal opportunity and consideration to all qualified individuals.

      Scholarship amounts may be adjusted at the discretion of the Selection Committee. Scholarships are intended to be used for tuition, fees, books, room and board, and other related college/university expenses.

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