The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association is now accepting applications for the 2023 Thomas R. and Laura Ridge Scholarship. Eligible students can apply for a one-year, $2,500 scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic year.
The scholarship amount increased last year by $500 each. In 2022, 27 students earned a total of $67,500 toward their educations.
“This is one of the highlights of our work at PFMA every year,” said Alex Baloga, PFMA president and CEO. “The scholarship gives us an opportunity to recognize students for their hard work and dedication in attaining a college degree. The generosity of our members allows us to support a growing number of students by easing the financial burden of pursuing higher education. Special thanks to The GIANT Company, Karns Quality Foods, Rutter’s, Sheetz and Wawa for their contributions.”
Current employees, their children and the children of company owners who are PFMA members can apply for the scholarship at PFMA.org/scholarships. All scholarship applications must be made online. Applications are due no later than March 1, 2023.
A panel of judges evaluates applications based on academic record, school and community involvement, a personal essay and recommendations from school and work.
Since its start in 1995, nearly 630 students have received the Ridge Scholarships, totaling about $1.2 million.
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.
