USA Scholarships
Partial Funding Undergraduate the USA

ITE Diversity Scholars 2027 - Up to $20,000

Deadline March 15, 2027 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time 177 days left · Hosted by Institute of Transportation Engineers · Published

ITE Diversity Scholars, officially the ITE University Scholars Program, is a long-term scholarship for students who want careers in transportation engineering, planning, or closely related fields. One scholar is selected annually for up to $20,000 in support, distributed as much as $4,000 per year for up to five years of undergraduate study. You must enroll full time at an accredited university that hosts an ITE Student Chapter and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA each semester once admitted. High school seniors and community college students transferring to a four-year programme may apply. US citizenship or lawful permanent residency is required, along with a minimum 3.0 high school GPA. First-generation students and applicants eligible for Pell Grants receive preference. Submit the online application, personal statement, transcript, FAFSA Student Aid Summary, and two recommendations by March 15, 2027 at 5:00 p.m. Central.

Five-year cap
Up to $20K
ITE chapter school
Transportation major
5 p.m. CT
15 Mar 2027
HS or CC transfer
US citizens and LPRs
How to apply Am I eligible? Official website

What is the ITE Diversity Scholars Program?

Transportation engineers decide how buses, bikes, freight, and pedestrians share the same strip of asphalt, yet the profession still needs more diverse voices in the room. ITE responded with the Diversity Scholars Program, now publicized as the University Scholars Program, which pays up to $20,000 over five years and keeps you inside an ITE Student Chapter so you are not studying in isolation.

The money arrives in slices, up to $4,000 a year, and it keeps coming only if you stay full time in a transportation-related major and hold a 2.5 GPA in college after entering with at least a 3.0 in high school or community college. First-generation students and Pell-eligible applicants get preference, so complete FAFSA before you write your personal statement. One scholar is chosen annually, which makes the competition tight, but the package includes mentoring and internship pathways that outlast the check itself.

When you research campuses, filter for an ITE Student Chapter before you fall in love with a logo. Submit everything through the secure ITE platform by March 15 at 5 p.m. Central, and read the refreshed requirements on the ITE University Scholars Program page each fall.

Who can apply

Eligibility

Your progress 0 / 5
  • ✓
    Transportation engineering or planning major
    Declare or intend to declare a major in transportation engineering, planning, or a field ITE lists as related, and enroll at a university with an active ITE Student Chapter.
  • ✓
    High school senior or community college transfer
    Apply as a graduating high school student entering college in fall 2027 or as a community college student transferring to a four-year programme that fall.
  • ✓
    US citizen or lawful permanent resident
    Document citizenship or permanent residency as required on the ITE scholarship platform.
  • ✓
    Minimum 3.0 high school GPA
    Enter with at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Scholars must maintain a 2.5 GPA each semester in college to continue receiving funds.
  • ✓
    First-generation or Pell preference
    Students whose parents did not earn bachelor's degrees and applicants eligible for Pell Grants receive priority, though others may still be selected.
What you get

Benefits

  • Total scholarship cap Up to $20,000
  • Annual payment Up to $4,000 per year for up to five years
  • ITE Student Chapter engagement Included expectation
  • Mentoring and internships Programme connects scholars to professionals
  • Full tuition coverage Not guaranteed by award size
What to prepare

Document checklist

Documents gathered 0 / 5
  • ✓
    ITE University Scholars online application
    Apply through ite-scholarships.secure-platform.com when the cycle is posted.
  • ✓
    Personal statement (1-2 pages)
    Explain why you are applying and how your interest in transportation shaped your education choices.
  • ✓
    Official transcript
    Upload high school or community college records showing GPA and coursework.
  • ✓
    FAFSA Student Aid Summary
    Provide the acknowledgment report used to verify Pell eligibility when applicable.
  • ✓
    Two letters of recommendation
    Ask teachers, counselors, or employers who can speak to your academic and leadership potential.
Step by step

How to apply

Search ITE chapter listings before you apply. Enrollment at a chapter school is a hard requirement.
First-generation and low-income preference relies on FAFSA data. Submit FAFSA early and download the Student Aid Summary.
Tie your story to mobility, safety, or infrastructure projects you have seen in your community.
Give recommenders the March 15 deadline and the programme name so letters arrive on time.
Late applications are not reviewed. Upload every attachment before the cutoff shown on the platform.
When

Deadline and timeline

Application deadline
March 15, 2027 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time
177 days left
Fall 2026
Research ITE chapter schools and visit transportation classes or clubs if available.
Jan - Feb 2027
Complete FAFSA and request transcripts and recommendations.
15 Mar 2027
Application deadline at 5:00 p.m. Central Time.
By 1 May 2027
Awardee notification per ITE schedule (based on prior cycles).
Fall 2027
Scholar begins chapter participation and first $4,000 installment when requirements are met.
Questions

FAQ

What is the ITE Diversity Scholars Program?

It is the former name for the ITE University Scholars Program, a multi-year scholarship for transportation students that combines funding with ITE Student Chapter activities, mentoring, and internship support.

How much is the ITE Diversity Scholars award?

Scholars can receive up to $20,000 total, paid up to $4,000 per year for as many as five years while they maintain eligibility.

When is the ITE Diversity Scholars deadline?

Applications are due March 15 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time each cycle. Use March 15, 2027 for the upcoming intake.

Do I need to attend a school with an ITE Student Chapter?

Yes. Full-time enrollment at an accredited university with an established ITE Student Chapter is required.

Who gets preference for ITE Diversity Scholars?

First-generation college students and applicants eligible for Pell Grants receive priority, though students who are not Pell eligible may still win.

Can community college students apply?

Yes. Community college students transferring to a four-year university in fall 2027 may apply alongside high school seniors.

Where do I apply for ITE Diversity Scholars?

Use the ITE scholarship platform linked from ite.org/membership/university-scholars-program/ when applications are open.

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