Diversity Scholars Program

The purpose of this program is to increase underrepresented populations’ participation in the transportation profession by supporting increased diversity at the undergraduate level. Diversity in transportation is critical as practitioners seek to fully understand the transportation needs of communities in the development of equitable mobility improvements in many areas of our society.

Understanding that success at the university level, in particular for first-generation college students, requires a multi-faceted approach, there are four cornerstones to this program:

Financial support (a total of up to $20,000 in scholarship support: up to $4000 annually per student for up to 5 years of undergraduate enrollment)
ITE Student Chapter Engagement
Mentoring
This program is open to any U.S. high school student or community college student transferring to a 4-year university, of African-American; Native American, Alaskan, Hawaiian; or Hispanic/Latino heritage with an interest in a career in transportation and seeking to study transportation engineering, planning, or in a related field at a school with an established ITE Student Chapter. Preference will be given to first-generation college students and low household incomes. An objective of the Diversity Scholars Program is to help those with the greatest need. Applicants eligible for Pell Grants (as determined through the FAFSA application process) will be given priority, but those not eligible for Pell Grants will still be considered.

One (1) scholarship will be awarded annually to an eligible graduating high school senior or community college student committed to pursuing a career in transportation engineering, planning, or a closely related field. The student must enroll in a University with an ITE Student Chapter.

Those who are accepted into the ITE Diversity Scholars Program are eligible to continue in the program, so long as they maintain acceptable progress toward graduation in the field of transportation engineering, planning, or a related field, and fulfill the minimum established standards for GPA (specific criteria listed under eligibility requirements).
Eligibility Requirements
The following criteria must be met by the high school or community college applicant and maintained by the undergraduate student:

United States high school or community college student of African-American; Native American, Alaskan, and Hawaiian; or Hispanic/Latino heritage
United States citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States
Intended or declared major in transportation engineering, planning, or a related field,
Full-time enrollment or intended enrollment at an accredited college or university with an ITE student chapter,
Good academic standing
Minimum high school grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale),
Additional preferences:
First-generation college student (neither parent received a baccalaureate degree),
Low household income – applicants that are eligible for Pell Grants will be given priority, but those not eligible for Pell Grants will still be considered
How to Apply
Apply to become a 2023 Diversity Scholar.

After initial selection, to continue in the ITE Diversity Scholars Program, the student must maintain:

Continuous full-time enrollment in a transportation engineering, planning, or a related program at a college or university with an established ITE Student Chapter,
Minimum 2.5 grade point average per semester (on a 4.0 scale)
Continued progress toward graduation,
Students will provide necessary transcripts and requested documentation to the ITE Diversity Scholars Program Subcommittee as required by the subcommittee
The financial support is for up to a maximum of $20,000: $4000 provided annually per student for up to 5 years of undergraduate enrollment
Application Checklist
You are required to provide information and upload documents as a part of this application. Here is a listing of the information that you will need:

Information about you including your address, email and a phone number
Information about your parent/guardian (including contact information and highest level of education attained)
Annual Household Income
Current School Address
Listing of Accomplishments (Name and Date) (not required)
Listing of Extracurricular Activities (Name and Date) (not required)
Listing of Community Service Activities (Name and Date) (not required)
Name of the university you will be attending or if you are unsure, the name of up to 3 universities to which you applied.
Intended date of enrollment in university and intended major
Documents to upload
Personal Statement (1-2 pages on “Why are you applying for this opportunity?”)
Transcript
ACT and/or SAT Scores (requested but not required)
FAFSA Student Aid Acknowledgement Report, view a sample
2 letters of recommendation

Scoring/Judging Criteria
Your application will be scored on 10 criteria. The full explanation of criteria and allocation of points can be accessed here: ITE Diversity Scholars Judging Criteria. The key criteria include:

Grade Point Average (GPA)
STEM Related Courses
Accomplisments/Awards/Honors
Extracurricular Activities
Personal Statement
Recommendation Letters (2)
First Generation College Student
Demonstrated Financial Need
Additional Special Circumstances