Joe DiPietro Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Portland Water District
Introductory Background
The Joseph A. DiPietro Memorial Scholarship was created in 2003 to honor the memory of Joseph “Joe” DiPietro, a well-regarded businessman and longtime Portland Water District (PWD) trustee. Joe served on the PWD Board from 1988 until 2003 and was the proprietor of DiPietro’s Sandwich Shop on Cumberland Avenue in Portland. Deeply involved in his community, he supported youth, families, and education and volunteered with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, and the Lions Club.
Purpose
This $1,500 award is intended for students who live within the Portland Water District service area and who are preparing for careers related to the water and wastewater fields. Successful applicants will show financial need, a commitment to community service, and a desire to protect public health and the environment.
Eligibility
- Residence: Applicants must live in one of the communities served by PWD: Portland, South Portland, Westbrook, Windham, Gorham, Raymond, Cumberland, Falmouth, Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth, or Standish.
- Field of Study: Candidates should be pursuing training or education relevant to the water/wastewater sector, including (but not limited to) water or wastewater treatment technology, HVAC, electrical work, automation technology, instrumentation, plumbing, pipefitting, fire science, environmental studies, applied sciences, engineering, or public administration. Applicants must demonstrate alignment with PWD’s mission to protect public health, safety, and the environment.
- Financial Need: Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
- Use of Funds: Scholarship funds must be applied toward tuition.
- Term: The award is a one-time grant and is not renewable.
Preference Considerations
When making the award, the committee will give preference to candidates who meet one or more of the following:
- Plan to attend or are attending a community college, trade school, or an accredited college/university located in PWD’s member communities (examples include University of Southern Maine, University of New England, Southern Maine Community College).
- Are first-generation college students.
- Have an established record of community volunteerism.
- Have strong academic performance.
Awarding Process and Deadline
The $1,500 scholarship is presented annually. A scholarship committee, acting as a subcommittee of the Portland Water District Board of Trustees, evaluates applications and selects the recipient in the spring. Applicants must submit their completed application by March 31 to be considered.