Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarships offer pathway to success

Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarships offer pathway to success

Students encouraged to apply by Feb. 15 for up to $11,000 in aid for education

Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarships provide students who have experienced heartbreak a path to a brighter future.

Tessa Beard

Tessa Beard was 11 years old when her father, Dennis Beard, was killed in a work zone incident in Illinois. But today she is on her way to becoming a social worker, thanks to help from these scholarships.

She received a Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship all four years of her undergraduate studies and is now receiving one while pursuing her master’s degree while raising twins.

Her brother, James Beard, is now a junior at Southern Illinois University and is also a beneficiary.

Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarships have been offered by the American Traffic Safety Services Foundation since 2002. They are offered annually and valued at up to $10,000 per academic year. They were designed to put students whose parent or spouse was killed or permanently disabled in a work zone incident on the road to a brilliant future.

James Beard

In addition to the Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship, students who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism may be eligible to receive an additional $1,000 in honor of Chuck Bailey, an esteemed member of the roadway safety industry who passed away in June 2002. Bailey was a member of the Ohio ATSSA Chapter, and not only worked tirelessly to see Congress approve funding dedicated for roadway safety projects, but also was quick to share his knowledge, contacts and time.

“Our goal is to help the dependents of roadway workers who have faced one of these tragedies a helping hand,” said Foundation Director Lori Diaz. “Whether they are interested in community college, a four-year college, graduate school or a trade school, we want to help them by offering help in achieving their academic goals.”

Students can apply for a scholarship each year of their post-secondary academic studies.

The Foundation awarded 12 Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarships and two Chuck Bailey Memorial Scholarships to college and university students for the 2024-25 academic year.

Applications for the 2025-26 academic year are due by Feb. 15. One application is used to apply for both scholarships. For questions, contact foundation@atssa.com.

Learn about the difference Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarships are making as recipients share their stories.