WPGA Scholarship Fund
Offered by Western Pennsylvania Golf Association
About This Scholarship
The Western Pennsylvania Golf Association has been turning summer jobs at Pittsburgh-area golf clubs into college money since 1941, when its program began as a caddie scholarship fund. Today the fund covers far more than the caddie yard: employees in the clubhouse, golf shop, golf course maintenance crew, swimming pool, and tennis operation at WPGA member clubs are all eligible, as long as they have worked at a member club for at least two seasons.
The award is genuinely substantial for a regional program — a total value of about $20,000 over four years, renewable until graduation for students who maintain a 2.8 GPA each term. The program supports 16 students at a time, and the scholarship's annual value is calculated each year based on the fund's performance, donations, and the number of participants. Nearly 800 students have received a WPGA scholarship since the fund's founding.
Applications are open to high school seniors and college freshmen and sophomores, and the committee weighs financial need, academics, extracurriculars, and the applicant's work record at a member club. The 2026 application is due November 30, 2026, submitted by mail with a 500-word career-plans essay, two recommendation letters (one from a club supervisor), transcripts, and a family financial information form. Finalists interview in April, submit their FAFSA, and winners are announced in late April.
Eligibility
- Employed at a WPGA member club (caddie, clubhouse, golf shop, golf course, swimming pool, or tennis) for at least two seasons
- High school senior, college freshman, or college sophomore
- Demonstrated financial need (family financial form and, for finalists, FAFSA required)
- Must maintain a 2.8 GPA per term to keep the scholarship once awarded
How To Apply
- Download the 2026 application cover letter and application form from the WPGA Scholarship Fund website
- Write a typed essay (up to 500 words) on your career plans and how a WPGA scholarship would help
- Gather a recommendation from your member-club supervisor, a second from a teacher or counselor, your transcript, and the family financial information attachment
- Mail the completed packet to WPGA Scholarship Fund, 930 North Lincoln Ave, STE 1, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 by November 30, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a caddie?
No. The fund expanded beyond caddies decades ago — clubhouse staff, golf shop employees, grounds crew, pool staff, and tennis staff at WPGA member clubs all qualify, with at least two seasons of employment.
How much is the scholarship worth?
The total value is about $20,000 over four years. The exact annual amount is recalculated each year based on the fund's performance, donations, and the number of scholars in the program.
Is the scholarship renewable?
Yes — for up to four years or until graduation, whichever comes first, as long as you maintain a 2.8 GPA each term.