There is no better time to advance your education, and ACA has resources to help.
4/24/2020 9:30
A lot has changed since ACA International started planning the 2020 Loomer-Mortenson Scholarship Program earlier this year.
ACA’s leaders recognize that members’ focus has shifted to their business operations now more than ever as they navigate new compliance guidance resulting from the COVID-19 crisis.
Beyond the crisis, the ACA Education Foundation continues to help members succeed through learning and education opportunities tailored to the accounts receivable management industry employees and their families.
The Loomer-Mortenson Scholarship Program is a good example of how industry professionals or their dependents can expand their learning with the help of ACA.
And, despite all that is occurring across the world today—it is officially scholarship season with the May 15, 2020, application deadline rapidly approaching.
The tradition of the Loomer-Mortenson Scholarship Program, created by Dalton Sheppard Jr., ACA’s 1985/86 president, will carry on in 2020 as the ACA International Education Foundation, headed by former Board President Jack W. Brown III, looks forward to awarding thousands of dollars in scholarships to upcoming and current college students with good grades, writing skills and a connection to the industry via their employment or the employment of a parent.
Applying for one of this year’s scholarships is a great way to look to the future with the support and generosity of ACA members through Collectors Challenge and other fundraising activities.
In 2020, the Education Foundation will award more than $50,000 including one first place scholarship in the amount of $10,000; one second place award in the amount of $5,000; one third place award of $3,000; and others in the amount of $1,000.
Eligibility & Selection Criteria:
- Must be a current employee of a company affiliated with the collection industry; or a dependent child of such an employee.
- Scholarship recipients must enroll for a minimum of 12 credit hours at an accredited college, university, vocational-technical college or community college within 12 months following receipt of the award.
- The program is open to applicants throughout the United States.
Winners will be selected based on their cumulative grade point average (GPA) and an essay (700 to 1,500 words in length) on the topic on the value of consumer credit to our nation’s economy.
Individuals who won ACAEF Loomer-Mortenson Scholarships in the amount of $10,000, $5,000 or $3,000 (first, second or third place) in the prior year are not eligible for one of the top three prizes the following year. However, previous winners are welcome to apply for scholarships in the amount of $1,000. Preference will be given to new applicants.
Applications sent via U.S. Mail must be postmarked no later than May 15, 2020; alternatively students may email applications no later than May 15, 2020 to [email protected]. Additional information including eligibility requirements are available on ACA’s Loomer-Mortenson Scholarship Program website. Good luck!
The most recognizable effort used to support the scholarship program is Collectors Challenge, an annual fundraising program that takes place throughout the month of June this year. Anyone employed by an ACA member company that has participated in the challenge probably recognizes some of its signature activities such as "jeans for charity," bake sales, chili cook-offs or raffles. The creative ideas are endless and there is no limit on what a company can do or how much is acceptable to donate.
Additional information about Collectors Challenge is forthcoming. But for now, members can view the online toolkit before the official kickoff June 1, 2020.