VLGMA/Bob Stripling Scholarship Program
Preparing the next generation of local government managers and leaders
The VLGMA Scholarship Program/Bob Stripling Scholarship for the Advancement of Local Government Management
“Preparing the next generation of local government managers and leaders”
The Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management is a master’s level professional certificate targeted for employees in local government and pre-career students interested in a career in local government management. The program is a four course, 12 credit hour program that can be used towards the completion of a Master of Public Administration. The courses include local government and the professional manager, economic development and planning, human resources and finance, planning administration and the local government organization and service delivery. The uniqueness of Virginia Tech’s program is that the courses are taught by current or former practitioners.
The VLGMA Scholarship program provides financial assistance to each student who is currently employed in Virginia local government. The program is funded through donations by individuals and private sector businesses who share in the goal to prepare the next generation of leaders and managers. Tuition is $2,572 per course and students invest over $10,000 to obtain the Certificate in local government management. The scholarship provides financial assistance, dependent on the level of contribution by the student’s local government tuition reimbursement program. Students without local government support secure a higher level of funding support for the program; typically, between 30% and 50% of their tuition. Students with local government support receive some level of financial support as well. The commitment by VLGMA is to provide every student, working in Virginia local government, with financial support. The table below provides a snapshot of dollars, students and locality’s represented.
|
|
FY 2018 |
FY2019 |
FY2020 |
|
Scholarship Dollars Supporting Students |
$22,218.64 |
$32,441.01 |
$40,796.87 |
|
Number of Students Receiving a Scholarship |
36 |
37 |
48 |
|
Local Governments Represented in the Program* |
Chesterfield County City of Harrisonburg City of Lynchburg City of Manassas Park City of Newport News County of York Fairfax County Fauquier County Henrico County Loudoun County Mathews County Roanoke County Stafford County Town of Ashland York County |
Amherst County Campbell County City of Harrisonburg City of Lynchburg City of Manassas City of Manassas Park City of Newport News City of Richmond City of Salem County of York Fairfax County Fauquier County Franklin County Goochland Goochland County Henrico County Roanoke County Stafford County Town of Christiansburg Town of Hillsville Town of Wise York County |
Botetourt County City of Lynchburg City of Salem Fairfax County Franklin County Frederick County Goochland County Henrico County Manassas Park Nelson County Roanoke County Scott County Town of Blacksburg York County |
*More than one student from a locality may be represented
Scholarship Highlights
Meet Timothy Wyatt:
“I’m a proud father of two young girls and the primary breadwinner of my household. One of my daughters was recently diagnosed with absence seizures and we are grappling with the associated medical bills and stress. Additionally, like many, we have unanticipated childcare bills for both of our daughters due to online learning with COVID. Some people may feel like a partial scholarship is not enough to make a difference, but I know it made a huge difference for me and my family. Without it I would not have been able to take these courses and I am very grateful for the donations that made it possible.
I have progressed through local government for over 20 years now. Yet almost all the information covered is new to me. Not only is the information in the classes critical to understand how everything in local government fits together, but the real-world experience from the instructors is invaluable. I have been able to extend my professional network through the instructors, guest speakers, and classmates. This program has already assisted me in supporting my County Administrator and lays the groundwork if my career advances into Public Administration.”
Meet Ann Phillips:
“As I near completion of my fourth and final class in the Certificate program, I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation for the scholarship assistance I have received. Having first served as a town clerk in another locale and now deputy clerk to the Board for Frederick County, I was excited to have the opportunity to increase my job knowledge as well as my value to Frederick County.
While the County Administrator and the Frederick County Board are very supportive of continuing education for employees, the County has been unable to offer any tuition assistance for more than a decade. If it were not for the scholarship program, I would never have been able to afford to attend classes and earn my Certificate.”
How to contribute:
Individuals and businesses can contribute online to the scholarship program by visiting https://www.lynchburgfoundation.org/
Select DONATE now
At bottom of popup page select donate to specific fund
Select I wish to designate a scholarship fund
Select VLGMA Scholarship Fund
All dollars donated go directly to students; there are no administrative costs for the program
Considering funding at any level $25, $50, $75, $100?
Considering funding one class for a student? $771.00
Considering scholarship financial assistance for the entire program for one student? $3,086.40
Send a donation via mail:
The Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation
1100 Commerce Street
Lynchburg, VA 24504
