Certificate News January 2021
The Local Government Certificate Program is preparing for Spring enrollment starting on January 19, 2021. We are gearing up for the Summer Semester and continuing our recruitment efforts and answering questions about the Local Government Certificate Program through a virtual webinar led by Dr. Stephanie Davis. The Summer application deadline is May 1, 2021 with a $25 application fee and students who work for local governments can apply for the Bob Stripling Scholarship program (more details below) for tuition assistance. For more information, please find our spring session below:
Thursday, February 18, 2021 12 pm – 1 pm
Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/85993871400
Thursday, March 18, 2021 12 pm – 1 pm
Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/89307397976
Thursday, April 15, 2021: 12pm-1pm
Zoom: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/83551852911
Bob Stripling Scholarship Fund Information
The VLGMA Scholarship Committee shares the opportunity to contribute to the “Bob Stripling Scholarship Fund” for the Local Government Management Graduate Certificate Program. The Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students currently employed with a Virginia local jurisdiction. The scholarships are funded by individuals and private sector business donations who share in our goal to prepare the next generation of local government leaders. In FY2020, over 48 students received assistance equaling $40,797! The updated Scholarship Fund brochure with student testimonials, a scholarship breakdown, and how to donate or obtain more information is posted on the VLGMA scholarship webpage: https://icma.org/vlgmabob-stripling-scholarship-program.
This 2021 kick-off contribution message is being sent because the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reduced private business and corporate sponsorships thereby reducing the ability to provide future financial assistance. VLGMA has continued to budget $5,000/year for the scholarship fund. The Scholarship Committee acknowledges that COVID-19 impacts each of us yet the financial needs of the students continue so if you can contribute, we will be grateful for your consideration.
The Local Government Management Certificate Program and the Scholarship Fund is consistent with VLGMA’s Strategic Plan Focus Area: Next Generation of the Profession, Strategic Goal #3, specifically supporting this educational resource.
If a donation is not an option for you at this time the VLGMA scholarship webpage, https://icma.org/vlgmabob-stripling-scholarship-program, remains active for future and/or ongoing donations.