RTAP Scholarship

Download a PDF version of the RTAP Scholarship Application >

About the Scholarship

There is an opportunity for THREE scholarships per agency. In addition, an unlimited number of “registration-only” scholarships are available for agencies wanting to send more than three people to the conference.

What will the Scholarships pay for?

The RTAP scholarship will reimburse 100% of specified expenses for full-scholarship recipients. Specified expenses are limited to lodging (up to 4 days at $85/day plus tax), conference registration ($225), and travel (private vehicle mileage reimbursement rate at $.585/mile).

The scholarship does not cover other expenses. The scholarship is not intended to pay for the entire cost of attending this conference; it is intended to provide incentive to attend the conference and support for primary expenses.

Conference registration is paid by ODOT directly to OTA. Do send your registration to OTA; DO NOT send payment for registration.
Lodging and mileage are reimbursed to the agency, not the scholarship recipient. Receipts are required for lodging. The reimbursement form will be enclosed with the scholarship agreement. Registration expense is calculated into the reimbursement request.
Mileage reimbursement is calculated from the mileage chart on the official State of Oregon map. Day-trippers may request reimbursement for each day’s travel to and from the conference.

Who is Eligible to receive a Scholarship?

The scholarship opportunity is limited to individuals who are directly associated with policy, planning, or delivery of rural transit services including public transit, special transportation, and Transportation Options. Eligible applicants include managers and operations staff, including volunteers, board members and others closely associated with planning, managing, and operating public transportation.

State of Oregon employees are not eligible, nor are individuals without a clear link (i.e., employed by/volunteer for/member of an advisory committee or board) to a local transit provider, governing body, or transit planning/management agency or organization.

Individuals may apply on their own behalf, or employers/board members may apply for a staff person. Reimbursement is made to agencies, not individuals.

How will I know if I get a Scholarship?

If your application is accepted, you will receive a Scholarship Letter by mail prior to the conference. If your application is not accepted, you will be notified by phone or e-mail. Scholarships are calculated using the information provided in the application; the scholarship letter will indicate the approved dollar amount.

A scholarship may be transferred to another individual within an agency, upon prior approval by Sherrin Coleman, Public Transit Division, 503-986-4305 or sherrin.k.coleman@odot.state.or.us.

For Persons with Special Needs:

On a separate page, please identify your needs and any proposed extra associated costs related to travel and lodging.

Do you have Questions Regarding the RTAP Scholarship Program?

Questions about the RTAP Scholarship program may be addressed to Sherrin Coleman, at ODOT Public Transit Division, 503-986-4305 or sherrin.k.coleman@odot.state.or.us.