Scholarship Program

Each year, the Fairfax County Council of PTAs proudly administers a scholarship program for FCPS high school seniors who are furthering their education in fields they first studied in our Career & Technical Education (CTE) program. This scholarship program is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from our member PTAs/PTSAs. Since 1986, our local units have collectively raised over $30,000 to help many deserving students further their education in programs as diverse as nursing, graphic design, automotive technology, hospitality and tourism, animal sciences, computer engineering, and culinary arts.

What is the CTE program?

Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses are electives offered by FCPS that provide students with opportunities to explore technical careers. As evidence of their popularity, last year over a third of all FCPS secondary school students were enrolled in one or more CTE course. CTE courses are grouped into six areas: Business and Information Technology; Consumer and Family Sciences; Health and Medical Sciences; Technology Education; Trade and Industrial Education; and Marketing. Many of the advanced courses are offered at our six High School Academies or at other special locations.

Why do we target CTE students for scholarships?

While perhaps not widely known, a vast majority of our CTE students pursue post-secondary education. Many attend specialized trade schools, while many others attend 2-year or 4-year colleges and universities. Unfortunately, a significant number of these students come from families with only modest incomes, and many need financial assistance. While there are a large number of civic and religious organizations in our community that provide scholarships for higher education, few explicitly target these students. Our program helps to fill this void.

Who is eligible and where is the application?

The Fairfax County Council of PTAs Scholarship Program is open to graduating seniors who are furthering their education in fields they first studied in our Career & Technical Education (CTE) program. Recipients must be a high school senior in a FCPS high school with a PTA or a PTSA. Students in high schools with a PTO or PTSO are not eligible.

An application for the program can be obtained by clicking here. The deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 2012.

How to contribute to the FCCPTA Scholarship Fund?

To contribute to the FCCPTA Scholarship Program, simply print out the Scholarship Donation Form found on this website and mail the completed form and your contribution to the address listed on the form. Or, as an alternative, you may include your contribution on the FCCPTA Dues Form.

Whom do we contact for more information?

Contact our Scholarship Chair, Jan McKeever at JaniceMMcK@aol.com.