NARS Patrick J. Ottensmeyer Memorial Scholarship
Offered by North American Rail Shippers Association
About this scholarship
The North American Rail Shippers Association’s Patrick J. Ottensmeyer Memorial Scholarship supports college students preparing for transportation, logistics, supply-chain management, and related rail-shipping careers. The official 2026 application is open through August 31, and each competitive award is a one-time stipend of at least $1,000 paid directly to the recipient. Undergraduate and graduate students may apply if they are in good standing at an accredited college or university, are currently enrolled in a transportation, logistics, or supply-chain management program, and are citizens of Canada, Mexico, or the United States. Rising high-school seniors are not eligible. Applicants use NARS’s direct online form, which can be saved and continued later. A complete submission includes an academic transcript; a one-page account of extracurricular activities, community involvement, and awards; a one-page work history; and a personal statement rather than a résumé. Candidates must also arrange two recommendations: one academic letter from a counselor, teacher, or professor and one personal letter from a person of their choice. Recommendation letters may be uploaded or emailed separately to the address on the official application. The form additionally asks students to explain how their degree relates to transportation and report their current GPA, enrollment status, financial aid, and institution. NARS announces recipients at its annual meeting in November and may feature winners in association communications.
Eligibility
- Be a citizen of Canada, Mexico, or the United States
- Be an undergraduate or graduate student in good standing at an accredited college or university
- Be currently enrolled in transportation, logistics, supply-chain management, or a closely related program
- Not be a rising high-school senior
- Submit the official online application by August 31, 2026
- Upload an academic transcript, extracurricular-activities statement, work history, and personal statement
- Provide one academic recommendation and one personal recommendation
- Explain how the degree program relates to transportation