Joe DiPietro Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Portland Water District

Introduction The Joseph A. DiPietro Memorial Scholarship was created in 2003 to honor Joe DiPietro, a well-known Portland businessman and long-serving trustee of the Portland Water District. Joe served on the PWD Board from 1988 to 2003 and was the proprietor of DiPietro’s Sandwich Shop on Cumberland Avenue in Portland. Deeply involved in local life, he supported youth and families and volunteered with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, and the Lions Club. Purpose This scholarship supports a resident of the Portland Water District service area who is preparing for a career related to the water or wastewater sector. Candidates should show financial need, be actively committed to their community, and have a motivation to advance public health, safety, and environmental protection. Eligibility - Residency: Applicants must live in a community served by the Portland Water District: Portland, South Portland, Westbrook, Windham, Gorham, Raymond, Cumberland, Falmouth, Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth, or Standish. - Academic level and field: Both undergraduate and graduate students may apply. Applicants must be pursuing a career applicable to the water/wastewater industry—examples include water or wastewater treatment technology, HVAC, electrical work, automation technology, instrumentation, plumbing, pipefitting, fire science, environmental studies, applied sciences, engineering, or public administration. - Mission alignment: Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to PWD’s mission of protecting public health, public safety, and the environment. Selection preferences Preference will be given to candidates who meet one or more of the following: - Plan to or currently attend a Maine community college, trade school, or an accredited college in Maine. - Are the first person in their family to attend college. - Have a record of community volunteerism. - Exhibit strong academic achievement. - Demonstrate financial need. Award use and terms - Award funds must be applied toward tuition costs. - The scholarship is a one-time award and is not renewable.