If you or your employees are planning to attend school next fall to pursue a rental-related career, starting Wednesday, Dec. 1, you can apply for a share of $123,500 in scholarships available through the ARA Foundation and its affiliate partners.
Students enrolling at trade schools, community colleges, undergraduate colleges and graduate schools are eligible to apply.
That means employees in a rental business and/or a manufacturer/ supplier operation; immediate family members (spouse, daughter or son) of the rental business owner; and American Rental Association (ARA) student members pursuing a trade school program that supports a career in the equipment and event rental industry may apply for:
- ARA Foundation Trade School Scholarships
- ARA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships
- ARA Foundation Graduate Scholarships
- ARA Foundation ARA Student Member Scholarships
- Affiliate program scholarships
“There will be an abundance of scholarships available for the next school year,” says ARA Foundation Board of Trustees Chair Tony Wright, president, Celebrations! Party Rentals and Tents, Roseville, Calif.
“It’s important that rental business owners get the word out to their employees and active family members to apply for these scholarships. The ARA Foundation has increased the available money in the program by $23,500 — more than 20 percent over last year — giving more opportunities for applicants to be awarded a scholarship.”
Wright is especially keen to spread the word about the scholarships available exclusively to trade school students and ARA student members. “I’m really excited about the new ARA student membership program and the scholarships that will be available to them. It’s a great way to advance their education and get started in a career in the rental industry,” he says.
The scholarships can make a significant impact. For example, a total of $10,000 was awarded to Logan Thomas of Creative Solutions Special Events, Belmont, N.C.
“The ARA Foundation has presented and fulfilled so many facets of my education,” Thomas says. “I am very grateful for the support of my education and the belief and trust that you have instilled in me.” Another recipient, Ashlyn Talcott of Wasatch Equipment Rental, Lindon, Utah, received $3,000 and, upon receiving news of her award, was “speechless — overcome with excitement, honor and appreciativeness. My worry about making the tuition payments for next year greatly subsided.”
More than $123,000 is on the line. Watch your email and stories in Rental Management and Rental Pulse for details about how to apply.