Applications Open for the 2026 Ridge Scholarship

Harrisburg, PA (November 2025) — The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association announced that applications are now open for the 2026 Thomas R. and Laura Ridge Scholarship. The program provides one year, $2,500 awards to support PFMA member employees and their families as they pursue higher education during the 2026 to 2027 school year.

The Ridge Scholarship honors Thomas R. and Laura Ridge, parents of former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge. Thomas R. Ridge spent twenty five years in the Pennsylvania food industry, and Laura Ridge was a strong advocate for education. Their legacy continues through this program, which has helped students across the state advance their academic and career goals.

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria. They must have worked for at least one year as of January 1, 2026 for a PFMA member company and remain employed. They may also qualify as the child or stepchild of a PFMA member employee, or as the child or stepchild of a PFMA member store owner. All applicants must be full time college students for the 2026 to 2027 academic year.

An independent judging panel will review submissions based on academic achievement, character, leadership potential, and commitment to community service.

All application materials must be submitted online by Monday, March 2, 2026. Applicants will be notified by June 5, 2026.

Full details, previous winners, and the application are available at pfma.org/scholarships.