IAPD Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by International Association of Plastics Distribution

Overview
Please read these instructions carefully before you start your application. Completing the online scholarship form is only the first step — your application will be considered only when all required supporting materials are submitted and complete.

Required application materials (submit with the online form)
- 500-word, one-page essay.
- Current unofficial transcript. (If you are a college freshman, include both your high school and college transcripts.)
- Signed signature addendum page — must be signed by the student and a parent or guardian.

Formatting and submission notes
- All supporting documents (essay, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and the signed addendum) must be submitted in English.
- You may upload documents directly to the application form or send them electronically to Jean McClure.
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
- All information you submit will be kept confidential and used only to evaluate the scholarship application.

Eligibility
To apply you must be a college/university student (undergraduate or graduate) or a college-bound high school senior, and meet at least one of these criteria:
- Employed by an IAPD member company, or
- A child of an employee of an IAPD member company, or
- Enrolled in a professional sales program (major, minor, or concentration).

Additional academic requirements
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.5 on an unweighted 4.0 scale.
- Applicants may not receive an IAPD scholarship two years in a row.

Selection process
- A Scholarship Committee of four individuals carefully reviews every complete application.
- Candidates are ranked based on:
1. Academic achievement
2. Extracurricular activities
3. Essay and presentation
4. Financial need

Notification and award distribution
- Recipients will be notified by mail on or before June 15, 2026.
- Scholarship funds are paid directly to the recipient’s first-choice school listed on the application — not to the student.
- Before funds are distributed, recipients will be contacted to verify personal information (including Social Security number) and to provide a recent photograph (digital or print only; cell phone photographs cannot be accepted).

About the IAPD Charitable Foundation
- Established in 1981 as a nonprofit, the Foundation provides undergraduate scholarships to employees of IAPD member firms and their children, as well as to students studying sales-related programs.
- Scholarship funding comes from gifts and donations from IAPD members, individuals in the performance plastics industry, the association, and its for-profit subsidiary. The Foundation also raises funds at IAPD events.
- Donors may be eligible for federal tax deductions; a receipt will be provided. Scholarships awarded were up to US$3,500 in 2025. (Consult a tax advisor for details.)

Questions or help
If you have questions or problems with your application, contact Jean McClure at +913.345.1005.

Checklist before you submit
- Online application completed
- Essay (500 words / 1 page)
- Unofficial transcript(s) included
- Signed addendum (student and parent/guardian)
- All documents in English
- Submitted by the deadline

Follow the checklist, double-check your materials, and good luck.