Supporting Pennsylvania Public Education & Governance
Supporting Pennsylvania Public Education & Governance
Since 1971, the Vertras Foundation has supported programs and services that advance the work of school directors, school districts and the Pennsylvania School Boards Association.
Our board
Our board
- Kathy Swope, Chair
- Michael Faccinetto, Vice Chair
- Richard Frerichs
- William LaCoff
- Roberta M. Marcus
- Marianne Neel
- Nathan G. Mains, President & Chief Executive Officer
- Christina Griffiths, Secretary (non-voting)
Our subsidiaries
The Vertras Foundation is focused on providing support to local districts via insurance programs, the Pennsylvania School Safety Institute, the PSBA Institute and ongoing support of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association services.
Our subsidiaries
The PSBA Trust is focused on providing support to local districts via insurance programs, the Pennsylvania School Safety Institute and ongoing support of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association services.
PSBA Insurance is dedicated to strong partnerships with industry leading insurers to provide the highest quality coverage for our students, volunteers and schools.
The Pennsylvania School Safety Institute (PennSSI) fosters safe and secure school communities through immersive scenarios and classroom trainings.
The PSBA Institute (PSBA-IN) promotes the importance of public education through our support of research, innovation and learning initiatives.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The Student Leader Scholarships provide a one-time $2,500 or $5,000 monetary award to each recipient. The scholarships recognize graduating seniors from PSBA-member districts who have demonstrated ongoing leadership and meet the criteria for one of four available scholarships:
The Student Leader Scholarships provide a one-time $2,500 or $5,000 monetary award to each recipient. The scholarships recognize graduating seniors from PSBA-member districts who have demonstrated ongoing leadership and meet the criteria for one of four available scholarships:
The Frerichs Scholarship
The Frerichs Scholarship recognizes a student planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education. Dr. Richard Frerichs is a past president of PSBA, retired professor of education at Millersville University, recipient of the 2022 William Howard Day Award and founding chair of the PSBA Institute. Recipients of the Frerichs Scholarship are planning to enroll in an education-related major at a Pennsylvania State System school and have a demonstrated track record of leadership during their high school tenure.
The Marcus Scholarship
The Marcus Scholarship recognizes a student planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in public safety, criminology, forensics or other law-enforcement/safety majors. Roberta M. Marcus is a past president of PSBA, longtime local school board leader, past community college chair, founding chair of the Pennsylvania School Safety Institute and recipient of the PSBA Allwein Society Award. Recipients of the Marcus Scholarship must possess a demonstrated track record of leadership during their high school tenure.
The H.H. Quimby Scholarship
The H.H. Quimby Scholarship recognizes a student that has served as a student representative to their local school board during their high school academic career. Mr. Quimby served as the first state president of PSBA in 1895. Recipients of the Quimby Scholarship must have a demonstrated track record of leadership and service during their high school tenure and plan to pursue a degree focused on policy, political science, advocacy or nonprofit management.
The Swope Scholarship
The Swope Scholarship recognizes a student planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the arts. Kathy Swope is a past president of PSBA, longtime local school board leader, and founding chair of the PSBA Trust and PSBA Insurance Company. Recipients of the Swope Scholarship must possess a demonstrated track record of leadership in the arts during their high school tenure.
Apply
Applications due March 13, 2026 by 4:00 p.m.
Apply
Applications are now closed
Apply
Overall scholarship criteria
- The student must be enrolled in a PSBA-member district in good standing and have attended a PSBA-member district high school for a minimum of three years.
- The applicant must be enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university upon graduation from high school.
- Applicants must submit an essay, cover letter, resume, unofficial high school transcript and two letters of recommendation.
- A joint letter of nomination from the district superintendent and school board president must be included with the application packet.
Essay
Please include a 300- to 400-word essay discussing what it means to be a leader today and how you plan on growing your leadership skills beyond high school.
Scholarship application packet
It is your responsibility to ensure that all requirements are fulfilled by the deadline, or your application cannot be considered. All submissions are due by Friday, March 13, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Each award is a one-time scholarship. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Questions about the scholarship process and requirements should be submitted to scholarship@psbatrust.org.
Application checklist
- Applicant is enrolled in a PSBA-member district in good standing
- Applicant is enrolling in a two- or four-year college or university upon graduation
- Unofficial transcript
- Essay
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Joint nomination letter from the school board president and district superintendent
- Completed application form
International Education Study Group
The PSBA Institute, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, will conduct the fourth international study group in March 2027. The project team will develop recommendations centered on changes school districts could implement to significantly enhance district academics, operations, facilities and culture.
Learn more about the International Education Study Group, the commitment of participants and how to apply for the 2026 cohort here.