In the interest of promoting the city management profession and to encourage educational pursuits leading to professional city management careers, the Missouri City/County Managers Association has established an annual scholarship program for two (2) deserving Missouri graduate students pursuing a Master’s of Public Administration (MPA) degree.

The Scholarship bears the name of Kathleen Mansfield, a dedicated city management professional whose ideals, motivation and good character inspired everyone who came into contact with her, especially her peers. She passed away in 2004 at a very early age. As stated on a website dedicated to her memory:

“Kathleen loved being in local city government and most importantly loved sharing the profession with school kids and graduate students who wanted to follow her into her noble (but often misunderstood) profession. She was usually the first to invite new professionals into the “old boys club” and to welcome them into their professional associations. She also knew that through outreach and diversity, her chosen profession would be stronger than ever.” Reference from http://kathyreport.blogspot.com.

It is MCMA’s intent to reach out, as Kathleen did, to create an awareness of the profession and stimulate an interest in graduate students who might be motived to choose local government service as a career.

The Association will provide $1,500.00 scholarships for two Missouri residents seeking a Master’s of Public Administration (MPA degree) to prepare for a career in city management. These scholarships are to be used for college expenses such as cost of tuition, fees, room and board, or books and supplies.

All applications will be reviewed by the MCMA Board or by such committee as may be selected by the Board. This committee will be responsible for selecting scholarship recipients and approving scholarship renewals.

The MCMA board will share Scholarship details and application forms with the appropriate college counselors or professors of colleges and universities hosting accredited MPA degree programs. A completed application shall require an endorsement from a local MCMA member within the community nearest the applicant’s residence. This gives the MCMA member an opportunity to represent and promote their profession within their community and to create an awareness of the city management profession.

The successful recipient shall provide to the MCMA Scholarship Committee proof of registration in a college or university. Payment of the scholarship amount will be by the MCMA directly to the college or university in the name of the successful recipient.

Application deadline is May 31 of each calendar year. Applicants will be notified by July 1.

Scholarship Criteria

1. Student must be a resident of the state of Missouri.
2. Student must express a desire to pursue a field of study and subsequently a career in local government service.
3. Student must be (or will be) a graduate of a four-year college or university.
4. Student must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
5. Student must demonstrate a propensity toward the public service profession by involvement in community service activities, participation in social and service organizations etc.
6. Financial need will be considered.

2023 Scholarship Link