Diversity Scholars Program

The purpose of this program is to increase participation in the transportation profession by supporting young people at the undergraduate level.  

Understanding that success at the university level, in particular for first-generation college students, requires a multi-faceted approach, there are four cornerstones to this program:

• Financial support (a total of up to $20,000 in scholarship support: up to $4000 annually per student for up to 5 years of undergraduate enrollment)
• ITE Student Chapter engagement
• Mentoring
• Internship Opportunities

This program is open to any U.S. high school student or community college student transferring to a 4 year university, with an interest in a career in transportation and seeking to study transportation engineering, planning, or in a related field at a school with an established ITE Student Chapter.  Preference will be given to first-generation college students and low household income. An objective of the University Scholars Program is to help those with the greatest need.  Applicants eligible for Pell Grants (as determined through the FAFSA application process) will be given priority, but those not eligible for Pell Grants will still be considered.

One (1) scholarship will be awarded annually to an eligible graduating high school senior or community college student committed to pursuing a career in transportation engineering, planning, or closely related field. The student must enroll in a University with an ITE Student Chapter.

Those who are accepted into the ITE University Scholars Program are eligible to continue in the program, so long as they maintain acceptable progress toward graduation in the field of transportation engineering, planning, or a related field, and fulfill the minimum established standards for GPA (specific criteria listed under eligibility requirements).

Eligibility Requirements

The following criteria must be met by the high school or community college applicant and maintained by the undergraduate student:

• United States high school or community college student
• United States citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States
• Intended or declared major in transportation engineering, planning, or a related field,
• Full-time enrollment or intended enrollment at an accredited college or university with an ITE student chapter,
• Good academic standing
• Minimum high school grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale),
• Additional preferences:
  • First-generation college student (neither parent received a baccalaureate degree),
  • Low household income  - applicants who are eligible for Pell Grants will be given priority, but those not eligible for Pell Grants will still be considered

How to Apply

You can access the application here: https://ite-scholarships.secure-platform.com/a

After initial selection, to continue in the ITE University Scholars Program, the student must maintain:

• Continuous full-time enrollment in a transportation engineering, planning, or a related program at a college or university with an established ITE Student Chapter,
• Minimum 2.5 grade point average per semester (on a 4.0 scale)
• Continued progress toward graduation,
• Students will provide necessary transcripts and requested documentation to the ITE University Scholars Program Subcommittee as required by the subcommittee
  • The financial support is for up to a maximum of $20,000: $4000 provided annually per student for up to 5 years of undergraduate enrollment