We are proud to announce two new education initiatives to support both current and future municipal professionals from equity-deserving communities.
AMCTO Executive Diploma in Municipal Management Equity Scholarship
The AMCTO Executive Diploma in Municipal Management (EDMM) Equity scholarship will provide one annual full program registration to an individual from an equity-deserving group. The scholarship, valued at over $3,700, will support recipients’ municipal professional goals, leadership learning and development.
The EDMM is a comprehensive, 10-month career development program designed specifically for municipal managers. It provides foundational knowledge, skills, and competencies required to be a successful local government manager and is ideal for professionals with three or more years of supervisory experience, mid-level managers, and high-potential municipal employees on track to take on senior management or leadership roles.
The EDMM Equity Scholarship was born from AMCTO’s 2025 Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) audit report, which recommended expanding grant and scholarship opportunities for underrepresented groups in the municipal sector.
“It is important that our Association reflects the communities we serve and continues to provide professional growth opportunities for municipal staff ready to move into leadership positions,” said AMCTO President, Danielle Manton. “We understand the need to better support individuals from equity-deserving groups, and the EDMM program is a valuable resource for developing the practical skills and knowledge to succeed in municipal senior leadership roles.”
Scholarship applications are open now until Monday, May 25, 2026, for the fall 2026 program term. Further information, including eligibility criteria, is available below.
AMCTO Public Administration Endowed Equity Award
In partnership with Seneca Polytechnic’s Public Administration Diploma (PAD) program, the AMCTO Public Administration Endowed Equity Award supports equity-deserving students pursuing careers in local government administration.
Building off a long-standing partnership with Seneca, AMCTO will contribute $52,500 to establish a permanent endowment fund, which will provide two annual awards of $1,250 to eligible full-time students enrolled in Seneca’s PAD program.
The PAD program integrates the AMCTO Municipal Administration Program (MAP) and Municipal Accounting and Finance Program (MAFP) in its curriculum. Graduates receive MAP and MAFP certificates in addition to a Seneca graduate certificate. Under this partnership, AMCTO MAP and MAFP graduates can transfer education credits to PAD, and PAD graduates can transfer MAP and MAFP credits to AMCTO’s Diploma in Municipal Administration (DMA). PAD graduates also meet the educational qualifications to pursue the AMCTO Certified Municipal Officer (CMO) and Accredited Municipal Professional (AMP) professional designations.
“We are deeply grateful to AMCTO for this generous investment in our students. The AMCTO Public Administration Endowed Equity Award will reduce financial barriers, helping equity deserving students in our public administration program focus on their studies and prepare for careers in public service. This gift reflects our shared commitment to inclusion, opportunity and leadership in municipal administration.”
- David McBride
Executive Director, Advancement, Seneca Polytechnic
The award will be granted beginning this fall 2026 term. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and self-identify as belonging to an equity-deserving group. Seneca Polytechnic will administer the fund with ongoing collaboration and review from AMCTO.
Prospective students can find out more information by contacting the Seneca advancement team.
For more information or questions about AMCTO education programs, please contact our education team.