VPPPA Scholarship Program
Applications for 2025 are closed. VPPPA will start accepting applications for next year in early May 2026.
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. This annual scholarship is granted to one student who is either employed at a VPPPA Full member site or to the child/grandchild/spouse of an employee at a VPPPA Full member site in good standing.
- Students must be pursuing a degree (undergraduate or graduate) in the environmental, safety and health areas. Students can be either full-time or part-time.
- All applicants must complete the application for the scholarship program that they are eligible for and submit an official transcript, reference letter from a high school teacher, a professor from the university they are attending or a supervisor at a current job, and a reference letter from the relative working at the VPP site. All applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale.
- Other criteria used to evaluate students include demonstrated leadership skills in extracurricular activities, involvement in professional organizations, communication skills, and other awards/honors earned at educational institutions.
- Based on your chosen academic field, please elaborate on your commitment and vision for contributing to the Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) sector. Highlight your understanding of the significance of EHS and the impact you aspire to make.
Sergeant Safety Scholarship
The VPPPA Sergeant Safety Scholarship (aka DoD Scholarship) is intended for students pursuing either an undergraduate or graduate degree in the safety/health/environmental field, and who is either employed at a VPPPA Full member site in good standing and associated with the Department of Defense (DoD), or a DoD contractor, or the child/grandchild/spouse of an employee at a VPPPA Full member site in good standing. This scholarship is open to students enrolled in, or enrolling in, a college or university.
- All applicants must complete the application for the scholarship program that they are eligible for and submit an official transcript, resume and biography, reference letter from a high school teacher, professor or department head from the university they are attending or a supervisor at a current job, and a reference letter from the relative working at the VPP site.
- All applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale, if already enrolled.
- Based on your chosen academic field, please elaborate on your commitment and vision for contributing to the Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) sector. Highlight your understanding of the significance of EHS and the impact you aspire to make.
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. This annual scholarship is granted to one student who is either employed at a VPPPA Full member site or to the child/grandchild/spouse of an employee at a VPPPA Full member site in good standing.
- Students must be pursuing a degree (undergraduate or graduate) in the trades. Students can be either full-time or part-time.
- All applicants must complete the application for the scholarship program that they are eligible for and submit an official transcript, reference letter from a high school teacher, a professor from the university they are attending or a supervisor at a current job, and a reference letter from the relative working at the VPP site. All applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale.
- Other criteria used to evaluate students include demonstrated leadership skills in extracurricular activities, involvement in professional organizations, communication skills, and other awards/honors earned at educational institutions.
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, or enrolling in, a vocational school, college, or university.
- Applications will be accepted from students who work at a current VPP site. The VPP site must be a VPPPA Full member in good standing to qualify.
- Applicants must demonstrate their contributions to VPP at their site.
- Students must be pursuing a degree (undergraduate or graduate) either full-time or part-time.
- All applicants must submit a completed application, an official transcript and a reference letter relating to their VPP involvement at their site from a VPP coordinator, operations manager, site EHS staff, OSHA, Regional VPPPA Chapter Chairperson, etc. All applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale, if already enrolled.
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
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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
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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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