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YSI Scholarship Program | PMI Washington, DC Chapter

Youth & Social Impact (YSI) Scholarship Program


Empowering future change-makers ages 16–24 to apply project management skills to real-world challenges in their communities, careers, and classrooms.

Who It’s For

🎓

High School (16–18)

Discover project management early and explore it as a career path.

🎒

College Students (18–24)

Deepen your skills and apply them in clubs, internships, or class projects.

YSI Scholarship Program – Eligibility & Requirements

The PMIWDC Youth and Social Impact (YSI) Scholarship Program is designed to support the next generation of project management professionals. This annual scholarship provides financial support and recognition to individuals pursuing education or professional development in project management. Whether you’re a high school student exploring project management as a career path, a college student building relevant skills, or a young professional seeking certification, we welcome your application.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Ages 16–24
  • Applicants must be enrolled, accepted, or have applied to an accredited program in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia
  • Enrollment may be full-time or part-time
  • PMI membership not required
  • No previous PMIWDC scholarship recipients
  • Must show enthusiasm and interest in project management

Ineligible Applicants

  • Current PMI or PMIWDC Board members
  • PMI Academic Insight Team members
  • PMI staff, consultants, and immediate family
  • Anyone violating PMI’s Code of Ethics
  • Applicants who miss submission deadlines

Submission Requirements

  • Completed online application form
  • Cover letter outlining your interest and financial need
  • Proof of enrollment (mandatory at award time)
  • 1–2 recommendation letters (sent to ysi@pmiwdc.org)
  • Most recent transcript or academic record

✍️ Four Short Essay Prompts

Each applicant must respond to the following four essay topics. Click the plus button for individual topic details. Answers should be thoughtful, specific, and demonstrate your interest in project management and its real-world applications.
Download Essay Template
500 words max

Essay 1: Your Project Management Journey

Describe what inspired your interest in project management. How do you envision this field aligning with your academic or professional goals?

500 words max

Essay 2: Leadership and Impact

Share an example of a project, initiative, or experience where you took a leadership role or contributed significantly to a team’s success. What did you learn about collaboration and responsibility?

500 words max

Essay 3: Overcoming Challenges

Discuss a challenge you have faced and the steps you took to overcome it. How did you demonstrate project management principles such as planning, adaptability, or communication?

500 words max

Essay 4: Social Good and Community Impact

Project management can make a difference in communities. Identify one issue in your community that you would like to help solve. How would you use project management skills to address it?

Tip: Be concise, authentic, and results-focused. Use clear examples from your academic, personal, or professional experiences to highlight your leadership potential.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to complete your YSI Scholarship application:

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials

  • Cover letter
  • Transcript or academic record
  • 1–2 recommendation letters
  • Proof of enrollment or acceptance

Step 2: Submit Recommendation Letters

Your recommenders must email letters directly to:
📩 ysi@pmiwdc.org
Subject line: Applicant Number – Recommendation

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

  • Scan the QR code or visit the application portal once it opens
  • Create an applicant profile
  • Upload all required documents
  • Review carefully and submit

Step 4: Confirmation

You will receive an email confirming receipt of your application.

Application Timeline

📅 Opens: March 1, 2026

⏰ Deadline: May 1, 2026

📣 Notifications Sent: June 2026

YSI Scholarship Application QR Code

Scan to access the application portal when it opens.

APPLY NOW

Commitment to Fairness & Inclusion

The YSI Scholarship Program is founded on equity, innovation, and social responsibility. We’re committed to ensuring every eligible applicant—regardless of background or circumstance—has access to opportunities that foster learning, leadership, and impact.

“We’re building a future where every aspiring leader has access to growth, guidance, and opportunity.”
— PMIWDC Youth & Social Impact Team