Over the past month, YPT International advertised for submissions our first annual 2020 YPT TRB Young Members scholarship; a direct result of the generous support of Ford Mobility. Submissions were open from November 5th – 19th, to YPT Members in good standing, and responses were collected using Google Forms. This scholarship opportunity was advertised through our YPT website and e-mail newsletter, YPT social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn), and during YPT International and local YPT Chapter meetings.
Applicants were asked to commit to attending at least 20 hours of Conference Sessions & Exhibits during January 21–22 and 25–29. Each applicant was asked, “In 100 words or less, how will the YPT TRB Young Members scholarship help further your professional development?” Additional information, such as the applicant’s Chapter and whether or not the applicant’s employer offers a program that will pay for registration for conferences, was requested to help provide context for the selection committee. We are grateful for the time many of you contributed to selecting our first scholarship recipients.
11-submissions were received for this scholarship opportunity. 9-submissions were responsive (active YPT members in good standing) and were reviewed by a selection of YPT International Board of Advisors, YPT International Board Members, and YPT Chapter Members. 4 submissions were selected for their demonstration of need, current employment status, participation in their chapter, and commitment to attending the conference and writing up their experiences. For the seven applicants who were not selected, we offered a free year of YPT Membership as a sign of our gratitude for the effort they put forth in applying.
We are pleased to introduce our four scholarship recipients:
Morgan Hunlen, is a member of YPT Los Angeles, lives in Glendale California, and recently obtained contractual work with the Thrivance Group, where she will be assisting as a Planner and hopes to obtain formal employment soon as well.
Brianne Eby, is a member of YPT Washington D.C. where she serves as a Senior Policy Analyst at the Eno Center for Transportation.
Gabi Kappes, AICP, is a member of YPT Seattle, where she serves as a Transportation Planner III, Speed and Reliability, in the Capital Division at King County Metro Transit.
J. Swiderski, is a member of YPT Washington D.C. and a recent MURP graduate (Virginia Tech 2020), where they are seeking to serve communities by expanding safe places to walk, roll, scoot, bike, and ride transit.