Charles A. Esser Memorial Scholarships

The Esser Scholarship program was initiated in 1973 in honor and memory of Charles A. Esser, former City Manager of Phoenix. Sponsored by ACMA, the scholarship is designed to honor and financially assist Arizona graduate students in public administration who aspire to a career in local government management. The scholarship is awarded annually to an MPA student attending either Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, the University of Arizona or Grand Canyon University who is currently working or aspiring to work in local government and who has exhibited strong academic achievement. Scholarship Criteria Who may apply? Graduate level public administration students attending Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, the University of Arizona, and Grand Canyon University are eligible to apply for the ACMA scholarships. Applicant must have completed at least nine hours of course work by December. Those completing the fall semester in time to graduate are also eligible. How are the scholarships to be used? The scholarships are intended to assist promising graduate students or recent graduates with funding to continue their studies or job search. What qualities does an ACMA Scholarship recipient possess? ACMA scholarship recipients demonstrate a strong commitment to pursuing a career in public administration at the local level in Arizona, a willingness to accept the challenges of a vigorous academic program, and a desire to succeed in their professional and/or personal endeavors. Selection Criteria In addition to the requirements specific to each scholarship, the scholarships will be awarded on the basis of interest in local government administration in Arizona, career plans, academic achievement, school and/or community honors and activities, and financial need. The scholarship selection committee will base their decision on the applicant's completed application and a personal interview.