Scholarships

ARA Foundation Scholarships

Investing in the future of the rental industry

Each year, the ARA Foundation offers scholarships to deserving individuals pursuing trade school, undergraduate and graduate education in an area related to the rental industry – helping prepare future leaders of the rental industry.

2027-2028 scholarship applications available in December 2026.

Undergraduate and graduate scholarships

Students must be pursuing an undergraduate education (associate, bachelor, or trade/technical degree) or graduate program that supports a career in the equipment and event rental industry at an accredited university, college or community college.

Applicants may be high school or post high school students who have been accepted by an accredited university, college, or community college. Part-time attendance will be considered if the number of hours attending school is at least nine credit hours. Students may apply annually for up to five years.

student sponsorship
State Association Sponsored Scholarships - ARA Foundation

State Association Sponsored Scholarships

In addition to the scholarships available for undergraduates, graduates, student members, and trade schools, there are also scholarships sponsored by various state and regional associations.

The amount of these scholarships ranges from $750 to $4,000 based on your state or region. If you reside in a state offering such scholarships, you automatically become eligible for state-supported funds when you apply for any category of scholarships.

Student member applicant requirements

Must be a student member of the American Rental Association and be interested in a career in the rental industry. Must be pursuing a program that supports a career in the equipment and event rental industry at an accredited trade or technical school, community college, college, or university.

Applicants must be post high school students who have been accepted by an accredited trade or technical school, community college, college, or university. Part-time attendance will be considered with a minimum enrollment of six credit hours. May apply annually up to two years.

student applicant requirements

Trade school applicant requirements

Must be pursuing a trade school program that supports a career in the equipment and event rental industry at an accredited trade or technical school, community college, college or university.

Applicants may be high school or post high school students who have been accepted by an accredited university, college or community college. Part-time attendance will be considered if the number of hours attending school is at least six credit hours. May apply annually up to five years.

trade school requirements

The 2026 Scholarship Application Period is December 1, 2025 – March 9, 2026

Leonard Hawk Founders Scholarship

One $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to the top applicant. This scholarship is named after one of the founders and first president of the American Rental Association.

ARA Insurance Scholarship

One $4,000 scholarship will be awarded to an applicant who works for an ARA Insurance-covered business or is an immediate family member of the business owner.

Fred Dupy Memorial Scholarship

One $4,000 scholarship to the second highest scoring applicant. The scholarship was named after Fred Dupy who was a longtime supporter of the ARA Foundation and believed strongly in supporting higher education to build the next generation for the rental industry.

Undergraduate Scholarships

Ten $3,500 scholarships will be awarded to applicants pursuing their associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Graduate Scholarships

Two $3,000 scholarships will be awarded to applicants pursuing their master’s degree.

Trade School Scholarships

Ten $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to students pursing a certification or degree through a trade/technical/vocational program.

Student Member Scholarships

Five $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to individuals who are active Student Members of ARA.

Affiliate Scholarships

Various state association and regional sponsored scholarships ranging from $750 – $3,000.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible?

Students in the U.S. and Canada who are planning a career in the equipment rental industry and working in or affiliated with a rental business or manufacturer/supplier of rental equipment may apply. Employees and immediate family members of the business owner (son, daughter, stepchild, spouse) also are eligible.

When should I apply?

Applications open Monday, December 1, 2025 – March 9, 2026.

What scholarships are available?

Scholarships worth a total value of $166,750 are available. Click here to see available scholarships.

Who am I competing with for scholarships?

If you apply for the ARA Foundation Trade scholarships, you are competing with other applicants for those scholarships. If you apply for the ARA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships, you are competing with fellow undergraduates. If you apply for the Graduate Scholarships, you are competing with fellow students who are applying for that scholarship. In addition, if your state or provincial association offers affiliate scholarships, you are competing with fellow students in your state or province for those scholarships.

Can I receive more than one scholarship?

Yes, many students receive multiple scholarships, making the financial assistance even more significant.

If I receive a scholarship one year, can I apply the next year?

Yes. Each scholarship is available for one year. You may reapply for up to five years. Many students have received scholarships every year of their college or trade school education.

How are applications judged?

The Scholarship Committee reviews the applications, essays, school-documented transcripts and letters of reference that each applicant submits. Each area is judged using a point system that relies solely on the strength of the information given. Applicants’ names and identifying information are removed to ensure anonymity and confidentiality.

When will the recipients be selected?

The Scholarship Committee will review the applications in Spring 2026. Scholarship recipients will be notified by telephone by mid-May. Non-selected applicants will receive a letter by the end of May. Recipients will be announced in ARA publications. All decisions are final.

How are the funds distributed to my college/university?

Scholarship funds will be sent directly to the college/university of the recipient’s choice by July 31, 2026. The scholarships are valid for that academic year only and cannot be held over without approval of the ARA Foundation board of trustees.

Help the ARA Foundation provide more educational opportunities

The ARA Foundation’s relies on the support of generous individuals like you to continue to offer this incredible benefit to the rental industry’s future leaders. Please, consider making a tax-deductible donation today.

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