2026 COMTO Future of Transportation Scholarship Program

The Northern California Chapter of the COMTO (COMTO NorCal) is a national professional organization founded in 1971 to advance the representation of professionals in the transportation industry, nurture their career growth through networking and training, and champion transportation development. A cornerstone of COMTO’s work is supporting the next generation of transportation professionals and providing financial support for students in need. This year is COMTO NorCal’s 24 Scholarship Awards Gala.

COMTO NorCal is proud to award seven scholarships totaling $45,000 this year. Scholarship recipients will be recognized at our Annual Scholarship Awards Gala. Applications must be submitted by October 21, 2026.

For program specific questions, please contact us at [email protected]. For technical support, please use the "K" Help Beacon in the bottom right corner or email [email protected] for support.

• Undergraduate and graduate students who are U.S. citizens, are residents of Northern California [MC1] [MC2]  or are actively enrolled in an accredited community college or university or trade/vocational school in Northern California (San Francisco Bay Area or Sacramento Area).

• Demonstrated intent to pursue a career in transportation, including (but not limited to):

  • Transportation Planning

  • Transportation Engineering

  • Mobility as a Service

  • Public Policy

  • Environmental Science

  • Aviation Science

  • Department of Transportation (DOT)

  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

  • Business, Communications, Government Affairs, and related

• Demonstrated major or coursework in disciplines applicable to transportation including (but not limited to):

  • Urban Design/Urban Planning

  • Engineering: Civil, Construction, Mechanical, Electrical, Environmental

  • Business: Communication, Economics, Public Health, Policy, IT

  • Social Sciences: Political Science, Pre-law

  • Aviation: Management, Aeronautics, Air Traffic Control (ATC), Professional Pilot

Requirements:

• Applicants must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher.

• Community College students must be enrolled in a specific degree program or demonstrate intent to transfer to a four-year university.

• University students must be entering or currently enrolled in their sophomore year or higher.

• Applicants must demonstrate involvement in school, work, community, and/or other organizations that reflect a commitment to serving and advancing their local communities.

• Students may receive scholarships a maximum of two times from this COMTO chapter.

Applicants must package and submit all the following:

• Completed Student Application Form. (Item A below)

• Career Interest Essay (Item B below, 250 to 500 words)

• Challenge-Solution Scenario: (Item C below, no more than 250 words)

• Financial Need Statement (Item D below)

• Transcripts – (Item E below, most recent college transcriptshowing cumulative GPA)

• Resume (Item F below)

• Two References (Item G below) – Letters from (1) a college instructor, counselor, or advisor, and (2) a professional, academic, or personal reference.

  • Note: Additional consideration will be given if your references prepare letters on letterhead from the organizations with which they are affiliated.