In furthering our mission to increase and retain the number of individuals choosing the transit field as a career, the APTF will award a minimum of thirty scholarships, ranging from $5,000 to $12,000 to college students or transit professionals who are interested in pursuing or advancing in a career in the public transportation industry. Awards cover the academic year, beginning in the fall 2026 semester, and assist with tuition costs or other educational expenses.
Eligibility:
Our scholarships are for those who meet the following criteria:
- College sophomores (30 hours or more satisfactorily completed), juniors, seniors, or those seeking advanced degrees may apply for scholarships.
- Enrolled in a fully accredited institution, have and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in course work that is relevant to the industry or required of a degree program, and demonstrate a strong interest in entering the public transportation industry.
- All returning applicants must be sponsored by a member organization of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). Any member may serve as a sponsor. First-time applicants are not required to obtain a sponsor.
Timeline:
Scholarships are for the academic year beginning in the fall semester. The 2026 application process will follow the timeline below:
- March 6, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. (EDT) – Application Portal Opens
- June 5, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (EDT) – Application Deadline
- July 2026 – APTF Board of Directors will select scholarship recipients
- early-August 2026– Applicants will be notified
- October 4-7, 2026 – Scholarship recipients will be presented at the APTA TRANSform & EXPO in Chicago, Illinois
Application Materials:
The APTF applications require the following materials:
- Short-Answer Essay Questions: The APTF Board is asking you four questions. Think of your replies as a “written conversation” between you and the members of the APTF Board who will be reviewing and scoring your application. Applicants are expected to submit original responses written in their own words that reflect their personal perspectives and experiences. Note: The Board reserves the right to disregard submissions that appear to be fully generated through the use of AI tools. Please provide clear, well thought out replies to each of the following questions:
- Why are you applying for an APTF Scholarship? (75-100 words)
- What are your career and/or academic goals within the next three years? (150-200 words)
- Describe how you envision the future of transportation. What challenges and opportunities do you see for creating a more efficient and viable transportation system? (300-400 words)
- Looking into the future, where do you see yourself within APTA and the public transportation industry (rail, bus or paratransit)? (100-150 words)
- Two (2) letters of recommendation (1 Letter for Renewing Scholars)
- Letters of recommendation should address your commitment, demonstrated interest, and career goals in public transportation; Recommendations must not come from relatives.
- Statement of Financial Need and Financial Worksheet: estimating the financial need of the applicant, including 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).
- School transcript, documenting good academic standing: Enclose documentation from your school verifying you are in good academic standing and that you are maintaining the required class load.
- Verification of enrollment for the upcoming fall semester (letter from school or course schedule can also serve as proof of enrollment)
- Copy of the fee schedule from the college/university for the academic year
- Signature of APTA sponsor required for all returning applicants. First time applicants are not required to obtain a sponsor.
- Signature of Scholarship Applicant-Scholarship Attestation–certifying that all information provided within application is accurate to the best of the applicant’s knowledge.
How to Apply
Applications are due Friday, June 5 by 11:59 pm (EST). Applications will be submitted via SurveyMonkey Apply. To create your account and begin your application, please click the button below.
Selection Process
The APTF Board of Directors will select the 2026 scholarship recipients. The selection criteria includes demonstrated interest in the public transportation industry (bus, rail and paratransit) 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.