In 2017, GFOA’s Executive Board voted to create the Jeffrey L. Esser Career Development Scholarship to advance the public finance careers of individuals employed at least three years by one or more state or local governments.

- Citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada- Plan to pursue a career in state/provincial or local government finance- Student has not been a past winner of a GFOA scholarship.- Additional criteria for each individual scholarshipAdditional Requirements:- Enrollment Status: Part-time; pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree- Course of Study: Public administration, (governmental) accounting, finance, or business administration (with a specific focus on government)- Letter of Recommendation: Employer, and someone who can speak to your commitment to the public sector- Total Amount Available for Award: $5,000 to $15,000; one to three awards per year.- Employment Requirement: Employed at least three years by one or more state or local governments