VPPPA Scholarship Program
Now Accepting VPPPA Scholarships Applications!
The VPPPA Scholarship Program offers four scholarships each worth $3,500 to support students who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to safety and health in their schools and communities. Members and family (child, grandchild, spouse) of full-member sites in good standing should apply for VPPPA scholarships when pursuing a vocational, undergraduate, or graduate degree in the safety, health, or environmental fields.
All scholarship submissions undergo a comprehensive technical review by the National VPPPA Awards and Scholarship Committee subject matter experts.
Scholarships and Eligibility Criteria
Select a scholarship below to learn more and apply.
June Brothers Scholarship
The VPPPA June Brothers scholarship recognizes students who are leaders and role models in their schools, communities, and who are entering the safety/health/environmental field.
Eligibility
- You must be a current student pursuing a degree (high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate) in the environmental, safety and health Students can be either full-time or part-time.
- All applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale.
- Students must meet one of the following requirements:
- Be a VPPPA member including the following membership types:
- Full Member *
- Student Member
- Be a VPPPA member including the following membership types:
* Spouse/child/grandchild of employee in this membership types may also apply
Application Checklist
- Transcript (unofficial accepted) which must contain full name as listed on your application, course history and grades (including current academic semester), and cumulative GPA.
- Reference Letters
- (Required) 1 letter from Professor or Academic Advisor at your school/university
- (Optional) 1 supplemental letter from a current employer, research advisor, professional organization supervisor, etc.
- Please provide at least one of the following:
- Resume
- Please provide a typed resume highlighting education, work experience, extracurriculars, etc. to highlight examples of leadership skills.
- Personal Statement
- 150-200 words
- Resume
Sergeant Safety Scholarship
The VPPPA Sergeant Safety Scholarship (aka DoD Scholarship) recognizes students who are involved with the Department of Defense (DoD) or a DoD contractor.
Eligibility
- You must be a current student pursuing a degree (high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate) in the environmental, safety and health areas. Students can be either full-time or part-time.
- All applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale.
- Students must meet one of the following requirements:
- Be a VPPPA member including the following membership types:
- Full Member *
- Student Member
- Be a VPPPA member including the following membership types:
* Spouse/child/grandchild of employee in this membership types may also apply
Application Checklist
- Transcript (unofficial accepted) which must contain full name as listed on your application, course history and grades (including current academic semester), and cumulative GPA.
- Reference Letters
- (Required) 1 letter from Professor or Academic Advisor at your school/university
- (Optional) 1 supplemental letter from a current employer, research advisor, professional organization supervisor, etc.
- Please provide at least one of the following:
- Resume
- Please provide a typed resume highlighting education, work experience, extracurriculars, etc. to highlight examples of leadership skills.
- Personal Statement
- 150-200 words
- Resume
Stephen Brown Scholarship
The VPPPA Steven Brown scholarship recognizes students who are leaders and role models in their schools, communities, and who are pursuing a degree in the trades.
Eligibility
- You must be a current student pursuing a degree (high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate) in the trades. Students can be either full-time or part-time.
- All applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale.
- Students must meet one of the following requirements:
- Be a VPPPA member including the following membership types:
- Full Member *
- Student Member
- Be a VPPPA member including the following membership types:
* Spouse/child/grandchild of employee in this membership types may also apply
Application Checklist
- Transcript (unofficial accepted) which must contain full name as listed on your application, course history and grades (including current academic semester), and cumulative GPA.
- Reference Letters
- (Required) 1 letter from Professor or Academic Advisor at your school/university
- (Optional) 1 supplemental letter from a current employer, research advisor, professional organization supervisor, etc.
- Please provide at least one of the following:
- Resume
- Please provide a typed resume highlighting education, work experience, extracurriculars, etc. to highlight examples of leadership skills.
- Personal Statement
- 150-200 words
- Resume
William “Sully” Sullivan Scholarship
The VPPPA William “Sully” Sullivan Scholarship recognizes an employee at a VPPPA Full member site who has made significant contributions to the VPP program at his/her site. This scholarship is open to employees enrolled in, a vocational school, college, or university.
Eligibility
- You must be a current student pursuing a degree (undergraduate or graduate). Students can be either full-time or part-time.
- Students must be an employee at a current VPP site.
- All applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale.
- Students must meet one of the following requirements:
- Be a VPPPA member including the following membership types:
- Full Member
- Be a VPPPA member including the following membership types:
Application Checklist
- Transcript (unofficial accepted) which must contain full name as listed on your application, course history and grades (including current academic semester), and cumulative GPA.
- Reference Letters
- (Required) 1 letter from Professor or Academic Advisor at your school/university
- (Required) 1 letter from current employer (VPP coordinator, operations manager, site EHS staff, OSHA, Regional VPPPA Chapter Chairperson, etc.) relating to VPP involvement at the site.
- Please provide at least one of the following:
- Resume
- Please provide a typed resume highlighting education, work experience, extracurriculars, etc. to highlight examples of leadership skills.
- Personal Statement
- 150-200 words
- Resume
VPPPA Scholarship Fund
The VPPPA Scholarship Fund is a campaign to generate funds to support the next generation in safety excellence. We award scholarships to students entering the Occupational Safety & Health field with funds generated from this scholarship campaign. Thank you for supporting the future of safety excellence!
Congratulations to our 2025 Scholarship Winners!
June Brothers Scholarship Recipient
Hannah Escalante
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
Read More
From her involvement in the MARSH Project, a community program revitalizing marshland in Charleston, South Carolina, Hannah has exemplified a commitment to fostering VPPPA’s ideals. Her journey began at the College of Charleston’s Center for Sustainable Development where she started as a volunteer and became a student leader of the citizen science sector. In this role, she monitors water quality, and replants and restores area waterways. She exemplifies the leadership, dedication, and vision to environmental health and safety that the VPPPA June Brothers Scholarship aims to foster. Congratulations Hannah!
Sergeant Safety Scholarship Recipient
Jillian Ortiz
Central Plateau Cleanup Company
Read More
From her acceptance into the competitive Dental Hygiene program at Lake Washington Institute of Technology to over 100 hours of volunteer service, Jillian has shown a deep commitment to health, safety, and community care. Her passion for preventative oral health, clinical safety, and environmentally conscious practices embodies the leadership and dedication the June Brothers Scholarship was created to support. Jillian is the daughter of John Hendry of the Central Plateau Cleanup Company. Congratulations, Jillian!
Stephen Brown Scholarship Recipient
Garrett Wagner
Central Plateau Cleanup Company
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Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Technology at Perry Technical Institute, Garrett exemplifies the hands-on dedication and drive the Steven Brown Scholarship was created to support. With strong academic standing and a clear path toward a skilled trade career, he reflects the values of leadership, perseverance, and purpose that define the future of the trades. Garrett is the son of Elaina Wagner of the Central Plateau Cleanup Company. Congratulations, Garrett!
William Sullivan Scholarship Recipient
Holly Wyatt
Southwire
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Holly supported Southwire’s safety culture by participating in audits to identify hazards and solutions, implementing employee safety trainings and daily toolbox talks, and creating a safety incentive program. Additionally, she worked on documentation and preparation for OSHA site evaluations to aid Southwire in maintaining its VPP certification. Holly was nominated by Samantha McCarty, her supervisor at Southwire. Congratulations Holly!
For over 36 years, VPPPA supporters have awarded over $196,000 in scholarships and professional education grants. We have helped guide the next generation of advocates with scholarships, thanks to member generosity. Join us to support the individuals who will work to advance worksite occupational safety and health and save lives. All donations are tax-deductible.
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