Clarence E. Ridley Scholarship

• $3,500 to individual graduate student for school-related expenses
• $1,500 in credit to recipient's university for TCMA and Texas Municipal League education events

Number of Awards: Four graduate students from Texas universities annually

Geographic Scope: Texas

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have a bachelor's degree
• Must be accepted or acceptable for admission to a graduate school in Texas
• Must demonstrate serious commitment to pursue career in local government
• Must be enrolled in graduate school during August through May academic year
• Preference given to: Graduate students pursuing degrees in public administration, public affairs, or urban affairs (minimum one-year program with 30+ credit hours and minimum 6 graduate hours per semester)

Academic Year: August through May

Award Distribution:

• $1,750 at beginning of fall semester
• $1,750 at beginning of spring semester
• University receives $1,500 credit for student attendance at TCMA or Texas Municipal League educational events
• University credit must be expended by June 30 of following year

Program History:
Ridley, former executive director of ICMA. First award made in 1957. Individual scholarships increased from $600 (initial award) to current $3,500 level. At least one student has received grant every year since inception.

About Clarence E. Ridley:

• Born March 14, 1891 in Armada, Michigan
• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, University of Michigan (1914)
• Assistant engineer of Flint, Michigan (4 years)
• City engineer and water superintendent, Port Arthur, Texas
• Master's degree from Columbia University (1921)
• First city manager of Bluefield, West Virginia (1921)
• First city manager to pursue Ph.D. in public administration (1925)
• Staff engineer, National Institute of Public Administration in New York (1927-1929)
• Executive director of International City/County Management Association (ICMA) for 27 years (1929-1956)
• Awarded LLB degree by Syracuse University (1962)
• ICMA later developed "Clarence E. Ridley In-Service Training award" in his honor

Contact Information:

• TCMA: 512-231-7400
• Address: 1821 Rutherford Lane, Suite 400, Austin, TX 78754-5128

Application & Award Schedule

Timeline:

Example Timeline: 2012 winner announced April 2012; $1,500 university credit available July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013

Required Materials:

Note: Download application (PDF) from website for complete instructions and deadline.