Applications due April 3, 2023; scholarship seeks to increase opportunities and financial support for individuals who have experienced systemic barriers and burdens
OAKLAND, Calif. (March 9, 2023) – Applications are open for the HNTB Spark Scholarship for the Master of Science in Transportation Management Graduate Program at Lucas College and Graduate School of Business at San José State University. Applications close April 3, 2023. Application details can be found here.
Established in partnership with the Mineta Transportation Institute, the HNTB Spark Scholarship seeks to increase opportunities and financial support for individuals who have experienced systemic barriers and burdens associated with historically underserved and underrepresented communities.
“HNTB grows leaders in the transportation industry and understands that unique and diverse backgrounds are vital to a successful and equitable future in mobility,” said HNTB’s Samantha Soules, associate vice president and project leader for the HNTB Spark Scholarship. “Our goal is to advance social equity by supporting individuals who are ready to pursue their higher education and take themselves to the next level — personally and professionally.”
One scholarship will be awarded in Spring 2023 and includes:
- Up to $6,500 toward tuition for the Masters in Transportation Management degree at San José State
- A mentor/coach from HNTB to support the recipient’s technical and professional goals
- Facilitated access to industry networking events
- Attendance at an event recognizing the recipient of the scholarship award
Applicants must have been accepted into the Master of Science in Transportation Management graduate program in Fall 2022 or Spring 2023 and have plans to pursue a career in a transportation-related field. Students who anticipate receiving employer assistance of $5,000 or more in tuition support over the course of the degree are not eligible.
Applicants with any of the following experiences are particularly strongly encouraged to apply:
- First generation graduate of high school or bachelor’s degree
- Identify with a historically underserved group, such as students of color, low-income students, students with disabilities and veterans
- Survivor of hardship such as unsheltered status, violence, medical conditions and expenses, or sudden and substantial loss of income
- Sole provider of a multigenerational household
“HNTB’s ‘Spark’ is our inspiration, a fire that makes this commitment meaningful to the transportation industry and each other,” said Jeff Watson, PE, HNTB’s Northern California office leader and vice president. “The HNTB Spark Scholarship is awarded to individuals who are inspired to spark new ideas across the transportation industry, and those who have imagination and passion for solving complex problems through diverse and inclusive partnerships,”
Across the country, HNTB engages in various programs and activities to create awareness with students to inform them about careers in engineering, architecture and planning. In addition, many HNTB offices work with local organizations and schools to provide job shadowing opportunities for students so they may become familiar with potential careers in these fields. HNTB also supports employees who attend career day events at their local schools to present information on careers in engineering and transportation.