The American Public Works Association (APWA) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational and membership organization whose exempt purpose shall be the advancement of the theory and practice of the design, construction, maintenance, administration, and operation of public works facilities and services; the dissemination of information and experience upon, and the promotion of improved practices in public works administration; the encouragement of the adherence by public works officials to a high professional standard; the professional and social improvements of its members; and the promotion of cooperation among all public, quasi-public, and private persons, firms, corporations, bodies, utilities, and agencies which have interests in the field of public works.

In line with our exempt purpose, the APWA has established a Mission to promote professional excellence, understanding of and competency and credibility in public works. This Mission is further served by delivering technical workshops, seminars, educational conferences, trade shows and credentialing combined with the offering of educational scholarships to further support students working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in a public works-related field.

To fulfill our Mission, the Capital District Branch of the American Public Works Association is sponsoring a scholarship program for candidates pursuing a degree in Public Works related fields including but not exclusively in the fields of Engineering, Public Works Management/Administration/Operation or other programs within the public works profession. 

We are very proud to announce this year's Scholarship recipients, Brynne Wright and Chase Steenburgh!

Brynne recently finished her first year at The University of Rhode Island. She is majoring in Civil Engineering and minoring in Environmental Engineering, Landscape Architecture and mathematics. This past year, she was able to begin taking engineering classes and especially enjoyed her Coastal Resilience course that had a focus on sustainability. She was also named to the Dean's List.

Brynne is a member of URI's D1 Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Teams where she's a distance athlete. This spring, Brynne competed in the NCAA Division 1 New England Championships, where she took fourth in the steeplechase.

Before attending URI, she graduated from Greenwich High School. There, she was on the Varsity Cross Country and Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field teams since seventh grade. The team was three time NYS Cross Country Champions and she was the Sectional Champion for five years. In addition to being the captain of the cross country team, Brynne was a member and a captain of the Saratoga Springs YMCA team. She competed in gymnastics from second grade through high school graduation. She was a member of National Honor Society, French Club, Varsity Club and Student Council. In addition, Brynne volunteered in my community. Some volunteering experiences included Operation Rudolph, preparing and serving community dinners and volunteering at athletic events. She was an Angel Pusher for Ainsley's Angels of America.  

Chase Steenburgh is a graduate of Niskayuna High School.  He is graduating with an Advanced Regents diploma with Honors and received the Principal’s Award.  Chase is graduating high school with 24 college credits with the majority of the credits in the field of engineering.  During Chase’s Junior year he was awarded the Clarkson University Achievement award. Chase is also a  member of the National Honors Society, as well as, a three time recipient of the NCAP President's Award for Volunteer Service.  

Chase was an active member of the community.  He volunteered for the Schenectady City Mission to help prepare lunches for the homeless and organized a coat drive at Niskayuna High School to support the City Mission.  In addition, he mentored children in the Schenectady City Mission’s Women's Center and volunteered at the Colonie Soccer Club to help teach children the game of soccer.

Chase’s passion for soccer began at an early age.  He participated in travel soccer for many years before attaining a position playing for Oakwood Soccer Development Academy in the MLS Next league (formally the U.S. Development Academy).

Chase plans to study Civil Engineering at Roger Williams University.  His love of engineering stems from watching his father work as a civil engineer while growing up.  He hopes to one day work alongside his father.

Congratulations Brynne and Chase!!!

Brynne Wright - APWA Scholarship Recipient