Scholarship Program

To the best of our knowledge, all policies are in accordance with Chapter IX of the 5311 Circular (FTA C 9040.1G) and subject to change based on availability of funds. This scholarship guidance was last updated on Monday, August 8.  

Eligibility  

If your transit agency is funded through FTA Section 5310 or 5311 or you are a Tribal Transit provider, you are eligible to apply for a scholarship to attend workshops, trainings, and seminars. Agencies receiving FTA section 5307 funding are not eligible for scholarships because they receive funds directly through FTA.  Agencies receiving 5311(f) funding (Intercity Bus) are not eligible for scholarships because they are for-profit agencies in the state of Minnesota.  

Systems receiving FTA Section 5311 funding are encouraged to use operating dollars whenever possible prior to requesting a scholarship.   

Per Person Maximums 

• To distribute scholarship funds fairly across the state, RTAP has established yearly scholarship maximums per person.  
• An individual may receive scholarships up to the maximum amounts for in- and out-of-state scholarships (an individual may utilize scholarships in both categories up to the maximum).  

• In-State Per Person Maximum: $1,000 per person, per calendar year  
• Online Training/Certification Maximium: $1,000 per person, per calendar year 
• Out-of-State Per Person Maximum: $2,500 per person, per calendar year 
• Maximums apply to both the anticipated and actual expenses in your scholarship application and reimbursement. So, for example, if actual costs are higher than your anticipated costs, the maximum remains the same.  

Registration Fees 

To encourage peer-to-peer learning and certification, RTAP can cover registration costs for some events for eligible agencies (see eligibility section). The following list includes the current list of events where registration costs may be covered by RTAP, but additional opportunities may be added in the future.  

MPTA Event Registration Fees 

RTAP will cover the registration fees for agencies receiving FTA Section 5311 and 5310 funding and Tribal Transit for the Minnesota Public Transit Conference (fall conference) and Bus Roadeo. Agencies receiving FTA Section 5307 and 5311(f) funding are not eligible. Those interested in RTAP covering their registration fees must apply for a scholarship for the registration cost on the RTAP website.  

Individuals needing additional assistance may apply for full scholarships to attend the fall conference, which would include meals, lodging, and transportation in addition to the registration fee. 

 

CTAA Training Registration Fees 

RTAP will cover the registration fees for agencies taking part in CTAA online training and certification courses, such as PASS Train the Trainer, Certified Safety and Security Officer (CSSO) training, Certified Community Transit Supervisor (CCTS) and other courses as available. These courses are available to agencies receiving FTA Section 5311, 5310, and Tribal Transit and do not count towards the scholarship maximums. 

Application Review Process (How RTAP Reviews and Awards Scholarships) 

Scholarship guidelines are established to ensure that Minnesota transit agencies have access to training, funds are distributed equitably throughout the state, and funding is not a roadblock to obtaining training.  

There are a limited number of scholarships available for any given event/training. 

Scholarships are reviewed and awarded based on the question: “What specific value will this training bring to your job or agency?”  

The following questions will serve as guidelines to determine the eligibility of a scholarship applicant:   

Question 1: Does the applicant work for an agency receiving FTA Section 5311, FTA Section 5310 (including RTCCs and TCAPs) funding or a Tribal Transit agency?   

If yes, continue    

Question 2: Does the total amount requested fall within MnRTAP’s maximum allowable amount for out-of-state travel or in-state travel?    

If yes, continue   

Question 3: Are the requested reimbursements for lodging, meals, mileage, and other travel expenses permissible with state and federal guidelines?  

If yes, continue  

 

Application Requirements 

• Complete one application for every person requesting a scholarship. 
• At no time should an applicant assume that the scholarship request will be approved. The program has a limited budget.  
• The scholarship application must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the date of the training or event. 

• Should the training be announced less than 30 days prior to the actual event/training, please identify this in your application in the notes section. In this scenario, MnRTAP will expedite the review. 

Post-Event Responsibilities of the Scholarship Recipient 

Scholarships are awarded with the intention that the recipient share what they learn with their agency and other agencies in the state. For out-of-state events, scholarship recipients may be asked to attend an RTAP curriculum subcommittee or advisory committee meeting following the workshop/training to share what they learned at the workshop/training. If further sharing of what they learned at the training is determined to be helpful to other agencies, there may be additional requests, such as a webinar, roundtable, or feature in the newsletter. 

Reimbursement Requirements 

Reimbursements are made to the transit agency, not to individuals.  

Itemized receipts showing proof of payment must be retained and provided to RTAP for reimbursement to occur.  

The expense reimbursement request form must be submitted within 30 days of the event. 

Reimbursements are processed and paid within 45 days of the scholarship recipient submitting the reimbursement form.  

Please contact support@mnrtap.net with any questions regarding your scholarship application or reimbursement.