Arkansas Trucking Association taking scholarship applications

The Arkansas Trucking Association (ATA)is accepting scholarship applications from students interested in pursuing careers as medium- and heavy-duty truck technicians. Applications will be accepted through April 17.

“The Carl Tapp Memorial Scholarship has invested over $100,000 in Arkansas’ future technicians,” said ATA President Shannon Newton. “By aiding access to a quality education, we’re not only equipping young people — we’re ensuring Arkansas has the skilled workforce needed to keep commerce moving safely and efficiently. Each scholarship recipient represents both individual opportunity and our commitment to Arkansas’ economic future.”

ATA established the Carl Tapp Memorial Scholarship Fund in 2017 “to encourage growth in the state’s technician workforce and to help assure that the safest, most knowledgeable and skilled technicians are working on the trucks and trailers on our nation’s roads,” according to a news release. “The scholarship is named for the late Carl Tapp, the (ATA’s Maintenance & Technology) Council’s first chairman, who was known for recognizing and empowering talent in the next generation of technicians.”

Applicants must be graduating seniors from accredited high schools. The scholarship is for students attending a minimum of a two-semester medium- and heavy-duty truck technician program at an Arkansas institution. Eligible applicants are students beginning coursework in August 2026 or January 2027.

The 2026 scholarship recipient is expected to be named in May. More information is available at this link.