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WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2001 – Students considering a career in local, state or federal government could earn up to $1,000 for college through the Public Service Scholarship Program.
The program has been offered since 1985 by the Public Employees Roundtable, a nonprofit organization here that promotes interest in public service careers, said program coordinator Jocelyn C. Travers. "The scholarship program is targeted toward bright and talented college students who plan to pursue a career in public service," said Travers, who added that 10 to 12 $500 and $1,000 scholarships will be awarded this year. The $500 scholarships, she noted, will be awarded to part-time graduate students. Deadline for applications is May 18, Travers said. Undergraduate and graduate students can apply. Applicants must have a 3.5 grade point average in all college work and are required to submit a two-page essay discussing their specific career goals and vision for the future. She said preference is provided to applicants who have prior public service or volunteer experience. Scholarships will be awarded in late July. The Public Employees Roundtable has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships in the past 16 years, she said. Corporate and member donations and grants fund the program, she added. Travers noted surveys show that more than 90 percent of scholarship winners went on to a public service career. The roundtable is also involved with the annual Public Service Recognition Week, May 7-13 this year. The week honors the men and women who serve America as federal, state and local government employees, Travers said. Last year, she noted, activities were held in 1,400 cities in the United States and overseas. In the Washington area, exhibits and information booths on the National Mall will highlight this year's Public Service Recognition Week, Travers said. Various state, city, federal, county and international government agencies will be represented, she added. Information will be available for students and other potential recruits about public service summer employment and other employment opportunities. "We want to educate citizens about opportunities in public service. Our scholarship program and Public Service Recognition Week activities help to do that," Travers concluded. To obtain scholarship information and an application form, visit the roundtable Web site at www.theroundtable.org, or send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Public Employees Roundtable P.O. Box 75248 Washington, D.C. 20013-5248. Call (202) 927-3650 for more information.
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