Scholarships & Awards

Overview

The Charles T. Sciotto Award for HR Excellence fund is a charitable fund of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC)* and is administered by the Human Resource Professionals of Central Pennsylvania (HRPCPA). The program honors the legacy of Charles T. Sciotto, a respected leader in Pennsylvania state government human resources, by investing in the growth, education, and recognition of current and future HR professionals.

Aligned with HRPCPA’s strategic goals, the program is designed to strengthen the HR profession, support workforce readiness, and promote continued engagement within the HR community. Through a combination of scholarships, professional development awards, and recognition-based honors, the program supports both traditional students and working professionals at various stages of their HR careers.

Purpose and Goals

The Charles T. Sciotto Award for HR Excellence program aims to:

• Support the professional development of HRPCPA professional and student members

• Advance excellence and leadership within the HR profession

• Provide equitable access to education, certification, and development opportunities

• Encourage engagement, volunteerism, and service within the HRPCPA chapter and broader HR community

• Attract and retain members by offering meaningful, career-enhancing benefits

Program Structure and Award Categories

Under HRPCPA’s administrative oversight, the program has been expanded to include multiple award categories that reflect the diverse needs of today’s HR community. Award categories may include:

• SHRM Certification Study Group Award – Supporting members pursuing SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification through HRPCPA’s annual certification study group (covers study materials only).

• Continuing Education Award – Assisting HR and HR-adjacent professionals with certifications, training programs, workshops, and other qualifying development opportunities.

• Full-Time Student Scholarship – Supporting traditional students enrolled full time in HR or HR-adjacent academic programs with tuition, books and other educational expenses. Must be a HRPCPA student member to apply.

• PA SHRM Conference Award – Providing registration support for the annual PA SHRM Conference.

• HR Professional of the Year Award – A nomination-based award recognizing outstanding leadership, impact, and service within the HR profession and HRPCPA.

Award amounts, number of recipients, and specific eligibility criteria are reviewed annually and aligned with available funding and strategic priorities.

Eligibility and Administration

Eligibility requirements are established by HRPCPA and may vary by award category. In general, applicants and nominees must be HRPCPA members in good standing at the time of application and award distribution. Awards prioritize Pennsylvania state government members, consistent with the fund’s original intent. Active board members are not eligible to apply. 

HRPCPA is responsible for administering the program, including establishing criteria, managing the application and nomination process, convening review committees, and selecting award recipients. TFEC provides financial oversight and administers all award payments directly to recipients or vendors, ensuring compliance with applicable financial and tax regulations.

How to Apply

HRPCPA will accept submissions for the Charles T. Sciotto Award for HR Excellence during an annual application window, which is expected to open April 1 and close April 30 each year. A special application window will open in July for the HR Professional of the Year. Specific dates and application details will be communicated to membership in advance via HRPCPA’s website, email communications, and social media channels.

Applicants may apply for multiple award categories within the same application cycle; however, individuals will be eligible to receive no more than one award per year (this does not apply to HR Professional of the Year).

All applications will be submitted through an online application form, which will require the completion of a nomination form with supporting documentation based on the award category (e.g., personal statement, resume, proof of enrollment, or certification details). Nomination-based awards, such as HR Professional of the Year, will follow a separate but aligned nomination process.

Application Links

Click this link to apply for the certification study group award, continuing education award, full-time student scholarship, and/or PA SHRM Conference award: Charles T. Sciotto Award for HR Excellence Application

Click this link to submit a nomination for HR Professional of the Year: Coming soon!

Award Utilization Requirements

All awards must be utilized within six (6) months of the award notification date. If an award is not used within this timeframe, the award will be forfeited and funds will return to the program for future distribution.

Exceptions to the utilization deadline may be considered on a case-by-case basis and must be requested in writing with appropriate justification prior to the six-month expiration date.

Stewardship and Legacy

The Charles T. Sciotto Award for HR Excellence Fund was established in perpetuity and is sustained through investment growth and charitable contributions. By assuming administrative oversight, HRPCPA ensures the fund is actively utilized, responsibly stewarded, and aligned with the evolving needs of the HR profession.

Through this program, HRPCPA proudly honors Charles T. Sciotto’s legacy while empowering the next generation of HR leaders to learn, lead, and serve.

* The official registration and financial information of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1.800.732.0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. The Foundation for Enhancing Communities is registered in each state requiring such registration for charitable solicitation.