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Scholarships

Scholarships 2023

Student Scholarship Opportunities

WTS Philadelphia awards scholarships to individuals from high school to graduate school who are interested in pursuing careers in transportation. We are committed to the inclusion of differences and similarities related to ethnicity, age, and gender identity. The scholarships are competitive and based on the applicant’s specific transportation goals, academic record, transportation-related activities, and other relevant skills. 

WTS Philadelphia started the scholarship program in 1990. In the past 30+ years, more than 100 women have benefited from this program.

Educational grants are funded by the WTS Philadelphia Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 entity.

Scholarship Details

WTS Philadelphia fosters the development of women in the transportation field by encouraging bright new professionals to undertake careers in the area of transportation. One way it does this is by awarding scholarships to individuals currently pursuing or planning to pursue a degree or career in a transportation-related field.

Categories

We typically offer scholarships in five categories:

  • Graduate (including Sylvia Alston and Carmen E. Turner Graduate Scholarships)
  • Undergraduate (including Suzanne Axworthy Undergraduate Scholarship)
  • Junior College/ Trade School
  • High School (Transportation YOU High School Scholarship)
  • Ally and Inclusion (open to post-high school applicants of all genders)

The scholarships are competitive and are awarded based on the applicant's specific transportation involvement, goals, job skills, and academic record. Award amounts generally vary between $1,000 and $3,000. 

WTS Philadelphia is committed to the inclusion of differences and similarities related to ethnicity, age, and gender identity. Priority for WTS Philadelphia scholarship awards is given to individuals who identify as a woman or other under-represented gender in transportation except for the Ally & Inclusion Scholarship, which we invite applicants of all genders to apply. 

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for scholarship selection are as follows:

1) Minimum 3.0 GPA 

2) Plans to pursue a career in a transportation-related field 

3) Enrolled in or accepted to an educational program (Graduate, Undergraduate, community college, technical school, or trade school) in a transportation-related field, such as, but not limited to, transportation engineering, planning, policy, finance, or logistics. If in high school, applicant is studying math, science, and/or technology 

4) Has ties to the greater Philadelphia region (attends institution or is a resident of southeastern PA, south NJ, or DE)

5) Have demonstrated support for women in their personal, professional, and/or academic lives (Only required if applying for consideration for the Ally and Inclusion Scholarship)

We anticipate opening applications for our 2025 scholarships in late August, and the due date will be in mid- to late- October 2025.

Questions? Reach out to Theresa Loux at [email protected]

FAQs: 

  • Are international students eligible? Yes.
  • Do you have to be a WTS member to apply? No, but we highly encourage applicants to become members – it is free for students!
  • Can students apply for more than one scholarship? Applicants may apply for the Ally and Inclusion Scholarship in addition to our Graduate, Undergraduate, or Junior College/Trade School scholarships, if eligible. 
  • Can I apply for these scholarships if I am enrolled in a certificate or certification program? Generally, applicants must be enrolled in an educational program with a terminal degree such as an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD. The exception to this are our scholarships intended for high school seniors and some trade school programs. 
  • I received a WTS Philadelphia scholarship in the past, can I apply again? Yes.
  • For first-year students who do not yet have a GPA, can they provide something else showing they have a 3.0 GPA or higher? Yes, please provide your cumulative GPA and transcripts from the last school you attended.
  • Do applicants need to be based in Philadelphia? Priority is given to applicants that have a connection to the greater Philadelphia area - usually either as a resident or from attending an educational institution in the area.

Some additional information about our scholarships, and their namesakes, is below: 

Sylvia Alston dedicated her life to transportation and supporting women in transportation. Sylvia spent over 20 years at Amtrak. She wore many hats while at Amtrak, but most remember her as the Officer of Supplier Diversity. She had an extraordinary commitment to WTS and recruited many WTS members that are still active in the Chapter. She received the WTS Philadelphia Member of the Year award in 1996 and was President of the Chapter from 1998 to 2000. She was instrumental in developing the Gateway Membership and the Milestone Award. Her quiet and determined demeanor made her an excellent leader of the Chapter and an inspiration to all who served with her. The Chapter honors her commitment to WTS by naming a graduate scholarship in her name. 

Carmen E. Turner was the General Manager of the Washington (DC) Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA). The first African American woman to head a major transit system, Ms. Turner held that post from 1983 through December of 1990. Her exceptional abilities were recognized in 1989 when the American Public Transit Association presented her with its Jesse-Haugh Award for Outstanding Transit Managers. Since Ms. Turner’s untimely death in 1992, the Philadelphia Chapter of WTS has been proud to recognize an exceptional human being and attempt to continue her achievements and leadership by making our annual contribution to the future in her name.

Suzanne Axworthy developed and advocated for public and specialized transportation throughout Philadelphia, working for SEPTA, WHEELS, Inc., and as a consultant for over 25 years. She was an active member of WTS Philadelphia for as long as she was a transportation professional, serving as its Awards Chair from 1986-91, Vice President from 1989-91, and President from 1991- 93. Suzanne will be remembered for her professionalism, grace, and style, and for the warm and enthusiastic encouragement, she gave to many WTS members. In 2001, the Philadelphia Chapter proudly announced the undergraduate scholarship in her name as a memorial to her years of dedicated service.

Transportation YOU is a hands-on, interactive mentoring program that offers girls, ages 13-18, an introduction to various transportation careers. Through the Transportation YOU program and this scholarship, WTS chapters work to make a difference in the lives of young women by offering opportunities and activities that will spark interest in all modes of transportation and encourage them to take courses in math, science, and technology, which are the stepping stones to exciting careers that can change the face of the transportation industry.

The Ally and Inclusion Scholarship was established in 2023 to recognize individuals currently pursuing a degree in a transportation-related field who have demonstrated support of women in their personal, professional, and/or academic lives.