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Part-time students who are U.S. or Canadian citizens or permanent residents and have been employed by state or local government for at least three years may apply if they are pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree in public administration, governmental accounting, finance, or business administration with a government focus.
One to three awards of up to $15,000 are given annually. Applicants must plan a career in state or local government finance and must not have previously won a GFOA scholarship.
Submit proof of enrollment, a letter of recommendation from an employer, and a reference familiar with your commitment to the public sector.
The Jeffrey L. Esser Career Development Scholarship awards Up to $15,000 (3 winners).
The deadline is December 31, 2026. The scholarship is not currently accepting applications; create a free Award Scholar profile to get notified when the next window opens.
Key requirements include: Undergraduate; Continuing or nontraditional; Public Administration Social Work; Business. Check the full eligibility section above, or create a free Award Scholar profile to have every requirement checked against your profile automatically.
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Yes, the application includes one essay question. Award Scholar drafts scholarship essays in your own voice, so the writing takes minutes instead of hours.
Create a free Award Scholar profile to confirm you qualify, draft the essays in minutes, and get the official application link with deadline reminders.