The New York State Association of Municipal Purchasing Officials, Inc., hereinafter referred to as (SAMPO) established the “SAMPO Continuing Education Program” for the primary purpose of awarding scholarships to SAMPO members who are interested in furthering the development of their purchasing skills and professionalism.
ADMINISTRATION
As established in the SAMPO by-laws and constitution, the Scholarship Awards and Recognition Committee administers this program. An Executive Officer of SAMPO, or another representative, as designated by the President of SAMPO, shall chair the Scholarship Awards and Recognition Committee
QUALIFICATIONS
Active SAMPO members who are in good standing for a period of not less than one (1) year may apply for a scholarship. Applicants must certify in writing that funds to attend an event are not available from their employer. Scholarship(s) must be used for professional development during the year for which they are awarded. Unless otherwise specified, Scholarships will include accommodations,(if traveling more than 60 miles from your normal place of employment) and meals included in the cost of registration – all other food related expenses and travel costs are not covered under the scholarship grant.
Scholarships can be used for SAMPO sponsored regional meetings. Seminars, or conferences including the following:
- SAMPO-sponsored Regional Meetings
- SAMPO-sponsored National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP) seminars that would assist the applicant(s) in receiving certification or re-certification for the CPPB or CPPO designation
- SAMPO Annual Spring Training Seminar and Conference, and
- NIGP Annual Conference.
Applicants may not apply scholarship funds toward the cost of a past event. Any unspent scholarship funds shall be retained by SAMPO at the end of the year in which they are awarded.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
If scholarship funding is approved in the SAMPO budget, applications will be accepted during the month of November and awarded at the December meeting of the SAMPO Board. The scholarship chairperson will notify the membership of the availability of scholarships in the Fall of each year. Completed applications should be forwarded to the designated Scholarship Chairperson or as directed on the scholarship notice. Failure to submit a complete application package will disqualify the applicant.
Scholarship applications shall be reviewed by the Executive Board. Consideration shall be based on two (2) categories:
- SAMPO – accomplished VOLUNTEERS, and
- General SAMPO Membership.
The board shall randomly select recipients of the scholarships at the December meeting of the SAMPO Board and applicants will be notified shortly thereafter.
All application materials shall become the property of SAMPO Scholarship Awards and Recognition Committee and shall be held confidential.
AWARD
All applicants must individually apply for scholarships on annual basis.
The number and amount of the annual scholarships will be determined by the SAMPO Board each Fall. The Board reserves the right to delay scholarship awards or approve additional scholarships at any time.
A maximum of two (2) scholarships may be awarded to members who are employed by the same agency in any given calendar year.
All awarded scholarships must be used by the recipient within the SAMPO fiscal year for which they are awarded. Scholarships may be used for more than one (1) class, seminar, or meeting. Failure to use the awarded scholarship shall forfeit the individual rights to said monies, and the monies shall be transferred back into the SAMPO Scholarship Program fund.
Scholarships are non-transferrable.
Registration fees and/or lodging expenses will be paid directly by SAMPO.
Receipts shall be required for reimbursement of all applicable and approved expenses not directly paid by SAMPO. In specific instances when an applicant is authorized to obtain lodging on their own, applicants shall be responsible for obtaining government rates or better, where applicable. Reimbursement for any expenses shall not exceed the total award amount.
Click here to download a scholarship application.
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