NET RMA Awarding Scholarships to High School Seniors

April 20, 2021

GOBUS

The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) is an independent government agency created to accelerate the development of transportation projects in North East Texas. Our mission is to implement transportation solutions that will enhance the quality of life and the economic environment in our area.


In an effort to promote safe driving practices to area high school students and the Tyler community, NET RMA is introducing the Safe Driving Scholarship to award six eligible students a $500 scholarship each. The winners are selected based on essays and academic and extracurricular achievements.


Scholarship Eligibility

To apply, students must:


  • Be a high school senior attending Tyler High School, Tyler Legacy High School or Whitehouse High School.
  • Plan to enroll full-time to a 2-year or 4-year college or university.


Submission Details


All applicants must submit the following to be considered for the scholarship. Please email the required components to Scholarship@netrma.org:

  • Your updated resume (attached in a PDF format).
  • Your most recent school transcript.
  • A short essay on safe driving (max. 500 words and attached in a PDF format).


You are welcome, but not limited, to using one of the safe driving prompt ideas below:


  • What are your opinions on current safe driving policies? What are some changes to current local, state and federal laws you would like to see implemented, and what would be the implications of these changes?
  • How have you/could you discourage and prevent distracted driving among your friends, family and community?
  • Share a personal story on how distracted driving has impacted your life.


Must include the following information in the body of your email:


  • Applicant’s name
  • Name of high school attending
  • Name of college/university you will be attending


Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, room and board or for other items required by your college or university. If you are selected to receive a scholarship, you will be provided with instructions and a disbursement form to claim your scholarship.


Deadline

The deadline for all applications is Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 3:00 pm CDT.


Selection Process


  • Scholarship opens for application submission on April 15, 2021.
  • Scholarship application closes on May 6, 2021.
  • Applications will be reviewed by NET RMA Scholarship Committee.
  • Winners are selected and announced May 14, 2021.
  • Award ceremony TBD.
Application

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