It’s that time of year again when APRO opens the doors for scholarship entries for APRO member employees or their children. Applications must be received in the APRO offices by June 10th at 5 PM. The official eligibility and application requirements for the scholarships can be found on APRO’s website under the Scholarship Foundation tab.
The number and amount of scholarships will be determined by this year’s fundraising efforts. Previous fundraising totals have ranged from $30,000 to more than $100,000. Individual amounts have ranged from $1000 to $5000 per student. Those amounts are determined from the generous donations by APRO members, associates and associations as well as the number and quality of student applicants.
“This is such an exciting program that APRO members support and donate. The light on the kid’s faces is amazing when they receive support for their college education. This is truly changing people’s lives,” remarks APRO President, Gary Ferriman.
APRO awarded its first scholarship in 2008 for $2000. Last year 50 students were awarded with a total of $106,000. APRO has awarded more than $375,000 in scholarships to 155 students. So far, the APRO scholarship program has helped more than 25 students graduate with more graduating each year.
“We started giving out multiple scholarships for the fall semester of 2012 and mostly to those entering college. Now, four years later, all of those kids are graduating,” comments APRO Deputy Executive Director, Richard May. “From now on, we’ll see more and more kids graduating that had help through APRO scholarships. That’s something they’ll never forget. Nor we’ll we.”
APRO along with TRIB, the Tennessee and Florida state associations will be awarding deserving college bound students to help pay for tuition, books and other related expenses.
Due to the ever-increasing applicants for the scholarships, specifications for the applications have been tightened. Students are encouraged to play close attention to the guidelines. Those that do not will be disqualified.
Scholarship applications must be received in the APRO offices by June 10 at 5 PM. The qualifying applications will be judged and scored by two independent judges. Winners will be announced sometime in mid July.
Scholarship winners will be awarded ½ of their scholarship immediately and the other ½ at the end of the semester after proof of completing the semester with a 3.0 or better.
Submissions will not be confirmed by APRO and only winners will be notified. If you want to confirm receipt of applications or need additional information, contact Richard May at RMay@RTOHQ.org.
Mike Lewis
Mike Lewis is a Premier Rental Purchase franchisee with multiple stores and currently serves as Vice President of Operations. With 33 years of experience in the rent-to-own industry, he has spent the past 20 years working closely with franchisee owners and previously spent 12 years in Corporate RTO, gaining a strong foundation in the business.
For the past five years, Mike has been sharing his knowledge by teaching managers and franchisees at the company’s Training Center.
Outside of work, he enjoys time with his family, kids, and grandkids, and appreciates the simple things in life – especially riding his Harley Davidson with the sun on his face. If you know, you know!
