Summary of MArtap Scholarship Guidelines 

MArtap Scholarships are available to eligible agencies that attend training programs. The programs must be pre-approved, transportation related, and result in improved transportation services.

Two scholarships per fiscal year are available for eligible agencies, with a maximum of $750 per scholarship. Most MArtap scholarships provide 90 percent of the cost of tuition and expenses for conference/training, but may cover the full cost. Those eligible for scholarships include recipients of federal transit assistance under Section 5311, including RTAs and their operating contractors, Section 5310 and/or the state's Mobility Assistance Program (MAP) recipients. Scholarships are available to organizations operating in rural and small urban regions, and in urban areas. Private non-profits and human service agencies, along with private bus operators in non-urbanized areas are also eligible for the scholarships.

Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on available funds. Funding for the Fiscal Year 2008 scholarship program is $11,000. Training must be transportation related and result in the improvement of your transportation services.

Councils on Aging and Non-Profit Organizations

Eligible Agencies: Private non-profit organizations and councils on aging that provide transportation.

Limits: Two 100% scholarships totaling not more than $750 per scholarship to be used by September 30, 2008. This includes one-day and multi-day conferences and community-based training opportunities.

Regional Transit Authorities and their Operating Companies

Scholarships are awarded at 90% per conference/training per person, matched with a 10% local cash contribution, to be used by September 30, 2008.
Scholarships are limited to two per agency with a $750 maximum award per scholarship.

There are four scholarship categories, based on density of population:

1. Rural Regions: Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and Franklin County including Greenfield. 
2. Large Rural Regions: Cape Cod, Cape Ann and the Berkshires. 
3. Small Urban Regions: Attleboro, Taunton, Plymouth, Brockton, Lowell, Montachusett, Fall River and New Bedford areas. RTA Administrators in these regions are not eligible for scholarships. 
4. Urban Regions: Springfield and the Pioneer Valley, the Merrimack Valley region, and the Worcester area. RTA Administrators in these regions are not eligible for scholarships. 

A listing of pre-approved conferences and programs is available on-line. Applicants are also encouraged to apply for scholarships to attend community-based continuing education programs that will enhance their professional skills. 

How Do I Apply?

Simply complete the on-line application and submit it to MARTAP no later than 30 days before the start of the conference. As soon as possible, applicants will receive a reply stating the amount of the scholarship award or a reason for denial. 

What is the obligation of the attendee? 

To get the most from the conference and be prepared to submit a report on information and expertise learned if asked to do so. Reports may be distributed throughout the state. 

OK, How Do I Start? 

Submit the completed on-line application to MArtap. Direct any questions to Carol Tally at info@martap.org or call 877-627-8271.