Scholarship Train
APPLICATION DEADLINE JULY 18th!
Application must be received or postmarked by July 18th, 2026.
“I’m incredibly grateful to NEARS for investing in my future during my college years. That support helped shape the path that led me to earn both a B.A. in International Affairs and a Master’s in Elementary Education from The George Washington University. Now, in my 10th year teaching within the District of Columbia Public Schools, I’ve had the privilege of impacting more than 200 students across pre-k, first, and second grade classrooms. NEARS’ investment truly made a lasting difference — not only in my life, but in the lives of the children I now serve each day.”
— Tabitha Nemeroff
Scholarship Fund

Kenneth L. Enzor Scholarship Fund

This fund is administered by the North East Association of Rail Shippers to support ambitious and deserving students pursuing higher education. Scholarships are open to students enrolled in accredited college, university, technical, vocational, and trade programs across a wide range of disciplines and career paths. Awards are reviewed and granted annually through the NEARS scholarship application process.

“Receiving the NEARS Scholarship has been a great help to me and my family. It eased the stress of moving and getting started with schoolwork by ensuring that I could afford all the supplies I needed to get the semester off to a good start. College costs are already daunting to begin with, and I'm very grateful to NEARS for providing me with some peace of mind.”
— Emily Demmert
“NEARS’ scholarship has helped alleviate the financial stress of post-secondary education while demonstrating strong support for the next generation. My investment in a Biomedical Engineering degree will allow me to help others throughout my career and give back to the community. Thank you for investing in my future.”
— Aiyana Fortin
Skilled Trades Scholarship

Carl R. Citelli Scholarship Fund

The Carl R. Citelli Scholarship Fund supports ambitious and deserving students pursuing careers in the skilled trades. Scholarships may be used for vocational schools, technical programs, apprenticeships, certifications, and trade-related education pathways. The program is administered by the North East Association of Rail Shippers and awards are reviewed annually through the NEARS scholarship application process.

Supporting the Next Generation of Skilled Professionals
NEARS is proud to support students pursuing careers in the trades, technical industries, certifications, apprenticeships, and workforce development programs that help strengthen our communities and industries for the future.
Apply Today

NEARS Scholarship Program

Supporting students pursuing higher education, technical training, skilled trades, certifications, and workforce development opportunities throughout the United States and Canada.

Who’s Eligible?

• High school students
• Full-time undergraduate college students
• Students enrolled in vocational, technical, certification, or skilled trades programs

Applicants must be in good academic standing at their respective school or program and must be citizens of either the United States or Canada. Both dependent and independent students are eligible to apply.

How Do I Apply?

Complete the NEARS online scholarship application and submit all required supporting documentation.
Open Application →

What Should I Include?

• Completed scholarship application
• Short essay describing your goals and future plans
• Academic transcript(s)
• Two letters of recommendation
• List of activities including employment, volunteer work, sports, or extracurricular activities

Optional materials may also be submitted:
SAT/ACT scores, resumes, short videos, certifications, or additional supporting information.

How Are Recipients Selected?

Scholarship recipients are selected competitively based on merit, application strength, academic standing, recommendations, and overall involvement.

Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply annually but must meet all prior scholarship update requirements to remain eligible.

Scholarship Awards

NEARS awards multiple scholarships each year with funding determined by the available scholarship pool and Board authorization.

Scholarships are typically at least $1,000 per recipient, with award amounts potentially increasing depending on annual funding availability.

Funds are distributed directly to scholarship recipients.

Recipient Responsibilities

Scholarship recipients are responsible for maintaining good academic and disciplinary standing within their educational program.

Recipients must also provide at least 2 academic progress updates throughout the year to the NEARS Scholarship Committee.

Failure to provide updates may affect future scholarship eligibility.
Scholarship Questions

Who Handles Scholarship Procedures?

The North East Association of Rail Shippers manages all scholarship procedures, including application review, recipient selection, and award distribution.

Past Recipients:

Scholarship Video Testimonials

Scholarship Legacy

NEARS proudly supports students pursuing higher education and skilled trades across a wide range of fields and disciplines through annual scholarship awards and educational support.

NEARS Scholarship Program: NEARS proudly supports students pursuing higher education and skilled trades across a wide range of fields and disciplines. Scholarships are open to applicants enrolled in accredited college, university, technical, vocational, and trade programs — helping invest in the next generation of leaders, professionals, and craftsmen throughout our communities.
*NEARS is required to follow certain procedures and criteria in selecting scholarship recipients and determining the amount of an awarded scholarship. Applicants should be aware that simply because an applicant may be eligible for a NEARS scholarship does not guarantee that such eligible applicant will receive any scholarship. NEARS does not discriminate in the selection of scholarship recipients on the basis of race, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or upon any other prohibited basis.