APTF Fellowship Program
American Public Transportation Foundation
The American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF) is the nonprofit affiliate of the American Public Transportation Association. The APTF is committed to serving as a guiding force in preparing transit’s future leaders for the challenges of the twenty-first century. The Board of Directors is made up of 25 people.
Since its inception in 1988, the APTF Board of Directors has given over $1,500,000 in scholarships to more than 350 deserving students. For a variety of scholars, the scholarships cover a wide range of transportation-related studies and fields. APTF extends a helping hand to those who see a bright future in transportation, whether they are established transportation professionals pursuing a degree or undergraduate students.
The APTF’s primary goal will be to continue to support the industry by providing scholarships and opportunities for engagement with future industry leaders. By providing scholarships and engagement opportunities to students and transit professionals, the foundation increases and retains the number of individuals choosing the transit field as a career. Students must show a consistent interest in a career in the transportation industry, as well as high academic achievement and financial need.
Scholarship Summary
The American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF) is the nonprofit affiliate of the American Public Transportation Association. The APTF is committed to serving as a guiding force in preparing transit’s future leaders for the challenges of the twenty-first century. The Board of Directors is made up of 25 people.
Since its inception in 1988, the APTF Board of Directors has given over $1,500,000 in scholarships to more than 350 deserving students. For a variety of scholars, the scholarships cover a wide range of transportation-related studies and fields. APTF extends a helping hand to those who see a bright future in transportation, whether they are established transportation professionals pursuing a degree or undergraduate students.
The APTF’s primary goal will be to continue to support the industry by providing scholarships and opportunities for engagement with future industry leaders. By providing scholarships and engagement opportunities to students and transit professionals, the foundation increases and retains the number of individuals choosing the transit field as a career. Students must show a consistent interest in a career in the transportation industry, as well as high academic achievement and financial need.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: College Sophomore – Postgraduate
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: 3.0
- Geographic Eligibility: United States
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Any
Key Information of APTF Fellowship Program
Study Details
Area of Study
Transit
Country of Study
United States
Specific Schools
Any
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Essay
- Recommendation letters
- Financial Information
- Grade transcript
APTF Fellowship Program Timeline
March 2025
Application Opening Date
Applications open on March 12.
June 2025
Submission Deadline
The submission deadline is on June 6.
August 2025
Award Announcement Date
Successful applicants will be notified in the mid of August.
How to ace the APTF Fellowship Program
Demonstrate a strong interest in the industry
You should demonstrate a strong desire to work in public transportation. In your application, make sure you address your commitment, demonstrated interest, and career goals in public transportation.
Show how much you need the scholarship
Show financial need in your application, including any gaps in a financial aid package, family income, and personal needs. Applicants with financial needs are given priority by the foundation.
Emphasize your engagement in the community
Make sure to select experiences that highlight your volunteer work. You should also show your ability to take initiative.
Review your application before submission
The APTF scholarship is highly competitive, which is why your application must be spot on. This will prevent your application from being rejected due to typographical or grammatical errors.
How the APTF Fellowship Program is Judged
Scholarship recipients will be chosen by the APTF Board of Directors. The selection criteria includes demonstrated interest in a career in public transportation, academic achievement, essay content, and quality, need for financial assistance, and participation in extracurricular citizenship and leadership activities. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a continuing interest in working in the public transportation industry.
Why We Love the APTF Fellowship Program
It provides mentorship and career opportunities
This scholarship offers mentorship to its recipients. It also opens many career opportunities in the transportation industry.
It provides mentorship for scholars
The APTF connects scholarship recipients with transit industry leaders. The mentor program improves scholars' access to the APTA and APTF networks, as well as facilitates connections and opportunities within the transit community.
The selection process is fair
There is no discrimination based on disability, race, color, religion, gender, or ethnic origin. The program's goal is to give all qualified individuals equal opportunity and consideration.
5 Facts About The APTF Scholarship Program
Minimum of 3.0 GPA
Applicants must have and maintain a 3.0 GPA in courses related to the industry or required for a degree program.
Applicants must be sponsored by APTA member
All applicants must be sponsored by an American Public Transportation Association (APTA) member organization or an APTA member assignee.
Enrollment verification
Applicants are expected to submit proof of enrollment, which could be a letter from school or a course schedule.
Recommendations must not come from relatives
One of the requirements for the scholarship application is a recommendation letter, which shouldn't come from a relative.
The U.S. is the country of study
The university chosen for the scholarship must be in the United States of America.