Scholarship Information

The John Mabry and Paul Webster Undergraduate Forestry Scholarships for 2025-2026

Thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous RTA supporter, we are pleased to offer two $5,000 scholarships honoring two men who worked to make RTA what it is today.

Congratulations to our 2025-2026 winners!

Paul Webster Forestry Scholarship: Charles Banks, Stephen F. Austin State University

John Mabry Forestry Scholarship: Jesse Richard Knell, Pennsylvania College of Technology

Online Scholarship Application Form

Description

The Railway Tie Association, a railroad supply organization, has a vested interest in the continued improvement of all railroad-related products.

Meeting the evolving challenges of the railroad sector in the coming decades will necessitate not only top-notch products but also the foresight, determination, and technical expertise of railroad industry suppliers.

In our continued efforts to support the next generation of leaders in the industry, RTA is delighted to announce we will again be offering two scholarships, each valued at $5,000, for the 2025-2026 academic year.

RTA believes that investing in the education and development of future industry leaders is a crucial step toward ensuring the ongoing success and innovation of railroads.

We encourage eligible candidates to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to further their education and make a positive impact on the future of the railroad sector. Together, we can contribute to drive progress and excellence within the industry.

Each application will be reviewed with emphasis placed on the following criteria:

  • Scholastic achievement: 60%
  • Leadership qualities: 30%
  • Career objectives: 25%
  • Financial need: 10%

The Education Committee may also award or deduct points for your written narrative depending on the quality of your writing, how clearly you state your career objectives, leadership, academics, and financial need, as well as how familiar you are with the wood crosstie industry.

Four-Year Colleges and Universities
One or both of these scholarships are open to college Juniors and Seniors of four-year institutions (not graduating before the end of the school year) who will be enrolled in accredited Forestry or Wood Science programs.

Two-Year Colleges
One of these scholarships is open to second-year students in a two-year institution (not graduating before the end of the school year) who will be enrolled in accredited Forestry or Wood Science programs.

Application Deadline - February 28, 2025

The Education Committee of the Railway Tie Association will review completed applications from eligible candidates. Applications are considered at the RTA's discretion on total merit, and RTA reserves the right to reject any and all applications. RTA's decision is final.

RTA will notify each of the two annual $5,000 scholarship winners by phone or email no later than August 4, 2025. If you have any questions or need additional information, please look over the letters and announcements below or feel free to call or email us.

Each of the recipients will receive two payments at the time of the student's registration: $2,500 for the fall semester and $2,500 for the spring semester. For schools on quarter or trimester systems, an appropriate adjustment will be made in the terms of payment.

Online Scholarship Application Form
Application Deadline - February 28, 2025