In the years since 1985, the Education Fund of the Plastics Pioneers Association (PPA) has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to students in selected fields of study at the college and university level. Scholarships are available each year to students who are planning to enter careers in the plastics industry.

Applicants must be citizens of the United States and must be undergraduate students in either a 4-year college baccalaureate program or a 2-year associate’s degree program.

Fields of study may include plastics engineering, plastics technology, polymer science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, materials science & engineering, packaging, manufacturing support, mold making, mold design, product design, and other similar courses.

The program is administered by the PPA in collaboration with the SPE Foundation. The awarded scholarship funds come from donations to the PPA Education Fund by present or past members of PPA and by other supportive organizations. Sometimes the awards are made in honor or memory of a person who has been active in the plastics industry.

The application period for 2024 PPA Scholarships will be from December 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024. Applicants will also be eligible to apply for up to five additional plastics-related scholarships at www.spescholarships.org .

Any questions should be directed to George Yule, PPA Education Chair, at george@plasticsnetworkresources.com .