Foundation Scholarship Programs

This $10,000 scholarship is available to employees, children, or dependents of IBTTA members pursuing degrees or certifications in engineering, business, public policy, technology, or other career-advancing educational programs. The award can be used toward tuition, books, and other educational expenses, helping to invest in the future by supporting the next generation of toll industry leaders and innovators. Through this scholarship, the IBTTA Foundation recognizes and honors the dedication of IBTTA member families, whose hard work ensures safe and efficient roadways for the driving public.

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Application Requirements:

• Applications must be submitted from February 23, 2026 through August 14, 2026. 
• Two brief essays outlining 1) academic goals, career aspirations, and 2) how the tolling industry has influenced the applicants family and educational journey. 
• Two personal references are required.
  • Academic Reference: This reference should come from a teacher, counselor, or academic advisor who can speak to your academic performance, work ethic, and dedication to your studies, now or your future plans.
  • Personal Reference: This reference should come from someone who knows you well outside of the academic environment, such as a mentor, community leader, or employer. This reference should focus on your personal qualities, leadership, and community involvement. 

Reference Guidance:

• To assist the judges in unbiased scoring, please request that your reference refrain from mentioning your name in their letter.
• One page limit.
• Must be submitted as a PDF document.
• Only fully completed applications will be accepted. 

The members of the IBTTA Foundation Board will judge anonymously* based on the following criteria:

• Criteria 1: Quality of the essays—How well the applicants essays address their academic goals, career aspirations, and tolling industry impact
• Criteria 2: Relevance—How relevant are the applicant's degree or career aspirations to the tolling industry
• Criteria 3: Clarity of writing, and depth of thought

*Applications will be reviewed anonymously. No names or information that could be linked to an individual will be provided to the judges.

IBTTA strives to have unbiased, diverse sessions, free from any commercial content. 

Questions can be directed to Cheryle Arnold, staff liaison to the IBTTA Foundation. 

Through a competitive selection process, the IBTTA Foundation awards $5,000 scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students who are working towards a transportation-related degree at an accredited university. This scholarship program is launched every spring and administered by Scholarship America®, the nation's largest designer and manager of scholarship, tuition assistance and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations and individuals. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability or national origin. This program opens in February of each calendar and awardees are notified around July of the same year.

  All questions regarding this scholarship should be addressed to [email protected] or call (507) 931-1682.

Eligibility

This scholarship is open to students worldwide. Students must:

   Be a current undergraduate college student who has completed at least two full undergraduate coursework at the time of application (24 credit minimum), or a graduate student in any year of study;

   Be pursuing a degree in one of the following fields: Engineering (Civil, Electrical, etc.), City and Regional Planning, Construction Management, Public Policy or Public Administration, Structural Engineering, Finance Accounting, Information Technology, Business Management, Marketing, Communications, Operations Management and other transportation-related degrees

   Planning to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited four-year college or university for the entire upcoming academic year 

   Have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent).

Award Details

If selected as a recipient, the student will receive a $5,000 award. Up to six (6) awards will be granted. Awards are not renewable and are one-time only.

• Up to five awards of $5,000 each will be granted to undergraduate students.
• At least one award will be allocated to a recipient attending an HBCU, depending upon qualified applicants. The notified recipient must be enrolled in full-time undergraduate or graduate study at a verified HBCU institution for the entire upcoming academic year.
• One award may be allocated to a graduate student

Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of:

• Academic record
• Demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors
• Work experience
• Statement of goals and aspirations
• Unusual personal or family circumstances
• Two online recommendations

Applicants are also required to answer a transportation-related essay question and reference any transportation-related work history. Financial need is not considered. The selection of finalists is made by Scholarship America. Selection of recipients is made by the IBTTA Foundation. All applicants agree to accept the decision as final.

Notification, Payment and Obligations

• Notification: Applicants are notified in June of the application year. Not all applicants to the program will be selected as recipients. Non-recipients may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements.
• Payment of Scholarships: Scholarship America processes scholarship payments on behalf of the IBTTA Foundation. Payments are made in one installment in mid-August.
• Obligations: Recipients have no obligation to the IBTTA Foundation. They are, however, required to notify Scholarship America of any changes in address, school enrollment, or other relevant information, and to send a complete official transcript when requested.
• Required Documents

Required Documents

As part of your application, you must upload the following documents:

• A current, complete transcript of grades. Grade reports are not accepted. Transcripts must display:
  • Student name
  • School name
  • Grades
  • Credit hours for each course and term in which each course was taken.
• Two online recommendation forms must be submitted on your behalf no later than the stated deadline.
• Your application is not considered complete unless all required documents above are submitted electronically.