By Reagan Payne

As college degrees become an expensive standard for the younger generations of the country, Marten Transport offers financial aid to employees’ children. The company awards up to 15 academic scholarships of $3,000 annually. 

The Randolph L. Marten Scholarship Program is applicable to any accredited post-secondary education: college or vocational program. This scholarship’s availability to vocational programs is an important inclusion. These certificates are much more affordable and provide a direct path to the workforce.

Many scholarship programs base awards on financial need. Dependents of full-time employees often do not receive these because of their household income. While this income is enough to support the family, a post-secondary venture is enough to put many afloat families underwater. 

Interested applicants must submit by Feb. 28 for this year's award. The company announces winners mid-June, just in time for students to begin or go back to school in the fall.

Marten selects recipients based on academic record, potential to succeed, leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience, a statement of educational and career goal, and an outside appraisal. These aspects deliver a true picture of well-rounded and deserving individuals.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the employment rate is higher for those with higher levels of educational attainment. The employment rate for those with an associates degree or even an incomplete bachelor’s degree is higher than the rate for those who only complete high school. The employment rate is highest for individuals with a bachelor’s or higher degree.

Background

The program is named for the company’s CEO and former president Randy Marten. He started the scholarship program himself in 1998. Since the program’s inception, the company has awarded more than 200 scholarships. 

The awarded amount also rises with time. In 2006, winners received $1,500. In 2016, recipients received $2,000. Now, the amount is higher than ever and continues to help young students in their trek through post-secondary education.

Interested parties may download the application here.

Reagan Payne is a staff writer for Wright Media. She can be reached at rpayne@wrightmediacorp.com.