There’s no doubt, college is expensive. This year, many families faced anxiety and uncertainty over everything from finances to food to health to education. Fortunately, one thing remains certain—the commitment of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) to helping its members’ families pursue a college education.
For the past 25 years, PFMA has offered the Thomas R. and Laura Ridge Scholarship to its members’ employees and children of employees. In that time, PFMA has awarded more than $1.1 million to nearly 600 deserving students.
The food retail industry experienced a particularly unusual year, with employees working harder than ever to stay accessible, work safely and meet changing regulations in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. Providing this scholarship opportunity is just one way PFMA offers appreciation and assistance to the many families represented by its members.
“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.
Eligible students who apply can earn a one-year scholarship between $2,000 and $2,500 for the 2021-2022 academic year. Students are judged by an independent panel who considers academic achievement, work experience, activities, leadership, community involvement and overall character. Students also complete a short personal essay.
Applications are now open and will be accepted through March 1, 2021. Winners will be announced in April. In 2019, 22 outstanding students earned $44,500 toward their college education.
The Ridge Scholarship honors the parents of former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge. His father, Thomas R. Ridge, was a member of the Pennsylvania food industry for 25 years and his mother, Laura, was a strong advocate of education for their three children. A partnership between PFMA, the Pittsburgh Association of Manufacturers Representatives (PAMR) and the Northwestern Pennsylvania Food Council kicked off the scholarship with a fundraiser in 1995. Continued fundraisers and generous contributions from association members has raised enough money to endow the scholarship.
PFMA is thrilled to continue this annual program and encourages association members to share scholarship details with eligible students. More information and the scholarship application are available at pfma.org/ridge-scholarship.
Best of luck to our 2021 applicants!