APTA Student Travel Stipend

How do I join or renew APTA as a Student Member?

 
JOIN: If you are joining APTA for the first time, please visit our Student Member page to learn about the tremendous resources and benefits of APTA Student Membership. Submit a new member application form to begin the membership journey.

RENEW: Email APTA’s membership team to determine your current membership status at membership@apta.com.

Student memberships renew automatically for $25 each year. If you are renewing your APTA membership, please look for the Dues renewal notices in the Spring of each year.

Students are eligible for Student Membership for one-year after graduation of their program to seek employment in the transit industry, or to join another educational

Who can apply for the Student Travel Stipend Program to attend APTA’s TRANSform Conference?

The Student Travel Stipend Program is a benefit open to APTA Student Members only. Students may apply to the Stipend Program if their APTA membership is active, and membership dues are fully paid. A limited number of travel awards are available.

What are the criteria to determine who will receive an award?

All applications from current APTA Student Members will be reviewed and evaluated by the following criteria:

1. Letter of support from your university’s program Dean, Administrator or Faculty
2. Your engagement with APTA and the transit community as a Student
3. Your short essay about what you will gain by attending TRANSForm, and how meaningful the travel stipend will be to your transit future.

I am not currently an APTA Student Member, however I receive APTA Member Benefits through my Am I eligible to apply for a Student Travel Stipend?

No, not at this this time. To be eligible to apply, you must be an APTA Student Member. Please see how to Join with the information provided in the first question.

Is there special consideration based on a student’s economic ability to travel? How do I demonstrate need?

The Stipend Travel Program application does not require any financial information. If you have unique challenges and circumstances, please include the information in the application essay.

When will applicants be notified if they are awarded a Travel Stipend, or not?

Notifications of Travel Stipends will be made by email on or before August 1, 2026.

Are first-time TRANSform Conference Attendees given priority?

Please include attendance at any prior conferences that you have attended, and self-funded. There is no priority for first-time attendees at this time.

How many years may I receive a Student Travel Stipend?

Student Travel Stipend awards will be based on the criteria indicated in the Criteria FAQ, and you may receive an award for multiple years.

Does it matter if I’ve already graduated from my college program, may I still apply?

Yes, Student Travel Stipend awards will be based on the criteria indicated in the Criteria FAQ. APTA Student Members can hold Student membership for one-year after graduation while they are seeking employment in the public transportation All Student Members applying for the Stipend Program must have an active and paid APTA membership.

What if I am awarded a Travel Stipend, and my ability to travel changes, or I become too ill to travel? Am I eligible another year?

Notify APTA of your change in travel plans immediately in writing by contacting Lisa Lockman, Sr. Membership Manager by email at llockman@apta.com. The APTA Student Travel Stipend does not automatically carry over to the following TRANSform Conference. Inability to travel at the last minute for unique circumstance does not disqualify you from applying for a stipend in subsequent years.

ABOUT APTA TRANSform and EXPO 2026 | Chicago, IL

What are the full dates of the conference?

The conference dates are Sunday, October 4, 2026 when committee meetings are held and most attendees arrive. The program continues through Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at the McCormick Place Convention Center. APTA anticipates more than 12,000 attendees and 800+ exhibitors.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Linda Gill Anderson
Sr. Membership Director: landerson@apta.com

Lisa Lockman
Director, Membership Operations: llockman@apta.com