GFOA provides several scholarship opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in state/provincial or local government finance. Encouraging and supporting educational opportunities for future government finance officers are integral to our mission of promoting best practices in local government.
GOLDBERG-MILLER PUBLIC FINANCE SCHOLARSHIP
In 1985, GFOA's Executive Board voted to create the Daniel B. Goldberg Scholarship to recognize outstanding performances by graduate program students preparing for a career in state and local government finance. Goldberg-Miller Public Finance Scholarship is funded by the Girard Miller Foundation.
Additional Eligibility Requirements:
- Enrollment Status: Full-time; graduate level
- Course of Study: Not specified, but should have relationship to state/local government finance
- Letter of Recommendation: Someone who can speak to your commitment to the public sector
- Number of Scholarships Available for Award: One $30,000 award
- Employment Requirement: None
FRANK L. GREATHOUSE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIP
In 1987, GFOA's Executive Board voted to create a Government Accounting Scholarship to recognize outstanding performance in accounting studies and to encourage careers in state and local government.
Additional Eligibility Requirements:
- Enrollment Status: Full-time; graduate or upper level undergraduate
- Course of Study: Accounting
- Letter of Recommendation: Someone who can speak to your commitment to the public sector
- Number of Scholarships Available for Award - 2025 Level: Two $10,000 awards
- Employment Requirement: None
CLARK BURRUS PUBLIC SERVICE ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP
In 1993, GFOA's Executive Board voted to create the Clark Burrus Scholarship to recognize and encourage outstanding students from historically marginalized groups who are enrolled in a course of study preparing for a career in state or local government finance.
Additional Eligibility Requirements:
- Enrollment Status: Full- or part-time; graduate or upper level undergraduate
- Course of Study: Public administration, (governmental) accounting, finance, political science, economics, or business administration (with specific focus on government or nonprofit management)
- Letter of Recommendation: Someone who can speak to your commitment to the public sector
- Number of Scholarships Available for Award - 2025 Level: One $10,000 award
- Employment Requirement: None
BETTY JO HARKER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP
In 2010, GFOA's Executive Board voted to create the Government Finance Professional Development Scholarship, which was renamed the Betty Jo Harker Scholarship in 2024 to support the studies of part-time students with a career interest in state and local government finance.
Additional Eligibility Requirements:
- Enrollment Status: Part-time; graduate level
- Course of Study: Public administration, (governmental) accounting, finance, economics, or business administration (with specific focus on government)
- Letter of Recommendation: Employer, and someone who can speak to your commitment to the public sector
- Number of Scholarships Available for Award - 2025 Level: Four $10,000 awards
- Employment Requirement: Employed at least two years by one or more state or local governments
JEFFREY L. ESSER CAREER DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP
In 2017, GFOA’s Executive Board voted to create the Jeffrey L. Esser Career Development Scholarship to advance the public finance careers of individuals employed at least three years by one or more state or local governments.
Additional Eligibility Requirements:
- Enrollment Status: Part-time; pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree
- Course of Study: Public administration, (governmental) accounting, finance, or business administration (with a specific focus on government)
- Letter of Recommendation: Employer, and someone who can speak to your commitment to the public sector
- Total Amount Available for Award: $5,000 to $15,000; one to three awards per year.
- Employment Requirement: Employed at least three years by one or more state or local governments
Scholarship Value: $30,000
Awards Available: 11
Award Deadline: Register to View