The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) is accepting applications for the 2021
Thomas R. and Laura Ridge Scholarship. Eligible students can receive a one-year scholarship
up to $2,500 for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Current employees and the children of company owners who are PFMA members can apply for
the scholarship at PFMA.org. All applications are due no later than March 1, 2021.
“Each year, it is such a pleasure to award Ridge Scholarships to dozens of well-deserving, hardworking students. This scholarship provides funding that enables them to reach their
educational goals,” said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA. “This opportunity wouldn’t
be possible without the generous support of our partners, including Wawa, Karns, Sheetz,
Rutter’s and Giant/Martin’s.
A panel of judges evaluates applications based on academic record, school and community
involvement, a personal essay and recommendations from school and work.
This past year, 22 students received a total of $44,500 through the program.
Named for the parents of former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, the Ridge Scholarship honors
Thomas R. Ridge, who was a member of the food industry for 25 years, and his wife Laura, who
was a great advocate of education for Tom Ridge, his brother David and sister Vikki.
Since 1996, 578 students have received the Ridge Scholarships, totaling more than $1.1 million.
