2026 Application
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS EVENT
The COMTO Chicago Chapter Scholarship Award Reception will be held in July 2026. Scholarship Award Recipients will be notified no later than May 30, 2026.
Deadline
Friday, May 1, 2026
EXAMPLES OF ACADEMIC MAJORS THAT SUPPORT THE TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY
Transportation professionals work in a broad range of areas that aim to facilitate the safe, efficient movement of people and goods. Academic majors that support the transportation industry include the following:
Engineering (i.e., Civil, Construction, Environmental, Mechanical, and Electrical)
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
Social Sciences (i.e., Planning, Economics, Geography, and Political Science)
Business Administration (i.e., Business Management, Policy, Public Health, Communications, Human Resources, Accounting and more!
Jobs in the transportation field range from the design of transportation vehicles and systems, including the evaluation of the cost and efficiency of these vehicles and systems, to the study of environmental impacts on travelers (congestion, safety, and health-related) and the development of transportation policies.
2026 Scholarship Application
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2026 Scholarship Application 〰️
APPLICATION PROCEDURE CHECK LIST
Document Checklist
(PLEASE UPLOAD ALL DOCUMENTS IN ONE (1) ATTACHMENT)
Applicants must submit the following:
Completed Student Application with signature
Career Interest Essay – Maximum 600 words (1-page minimum)
Official Transcript – most recent school transcript showing cumulative GPA.
Resume
Two (2) Letters of Recommendation. A letter of reference from a professor, counselor, community leader, or advisor. Applicants will receive additional score points for references that submit a letter of recommendation on the organization’s official letterhead. Refer to Attachment 1.)
Photo – Suitable for printing in a brochure
APPLICATION & APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
ONLINE APPLICATION
Submit the online scholarship application available at this link:
Application materials must be emailed no later than Friday, May 1, 2026. E-mail Application Materials to: COMTOChicagoScholarships@COMTOChicago.org
CAREER INTEREST ESSAY
Describe in detail on no less than one and a half pages, but no more than two pages, double-spaced, your short and long-range professional career goals. The essay should include three (3) explanations: 1. why you think you should receive the scholarship award; 2. where you grew up and what, if any, special circumstances in your life that you had to overcome to succeed academically; 3. explain how additional resources could enhance your success. Scholarships that require community service must be described in the essay.
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT
Submit by postal mail an original copy of your most recent transcript sealed by your school. The transcript may also be sent electronically directly from the school to COMTOChicagoScholarships@COMTOChicago.org. Electronic transcript is preferred.
RÉSUMÉ
Provide a 1-page resume that includes information on your work experience, volunteer activities, education, honors/awards received, and other interests.
REFERENCE/RECOMMENDATION
Two (2) Letters of Recommendations from any of the following: a teacher, academic advisor, a manager or supervisor from a community organization where you have worked or volunteered, an employer, or a person other than a relative. You can download the following form as to provide to your teacher or academic counselor.
PHOTO
Graduation Photo (not proofs) or headshot photo suitable for printing in a brochure.