← Back to Scholarship Essay Guides
How to Write an Essay for the Beverly A. Harper Scholarship
By Daur, ScholarshipTop founder and scholarship data reviewer
Reviewed by ScholarshipTop editorial review · Published Apr 26, 2026
ScholarshipTop editorial guide. Writing guidance does not guarantee eligibility, selection, or award payment.
Understanding the Prompt
The Beverly A. Harper Scholarship is designed to support students involved with the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials-Philadelphia Chapter. Your essay should reflect your commitment to education and the transportation field, while also demonstrating how your background and experiences align with the scholarship's goals. Begin by carefully reading the prompt to identify key themes and expectations.
Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets
To create a well-rounded essay, consider dividing your thoughts into four material buckets:
- Background: Reflect on your personal history, cultural influences, and experiences that have shaped your interest in transportation. Consider significant moments that have impacted your educational journey.
- Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that showcase your skills and dedication. Use metrics and specific examples to illustrate your contributions, whether in school projects, community service, or leadership roles.
- The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack in terms of education or experience and explain how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your educational goals and how they relate to your career aspirations in transportation.
- Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and motivations. This is your chance to connect with the committee on a human level—share what drives you and why this scholarship matters to you.
Creating an Outline
Once you have gathered material for each bucket, create an outline to structure your essay. A suggested format might include:
Match workspace
Find scholarships that fit your profile
- Introduction: Start with a compelling in-scene moment or anecdote that captures your journey.
- Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Ensure each section transitions smoothly, linking your background to your achievements, the gap, and your personality.
- Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will impact your future and reiterate your commitment to making a difference in the transportation field.
Drafting Voice and Style
When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about transportation, illustrate that passion with concrete examples of your involvement or interests. Remember to reflect on the significance of your experiences—answer the “So what?” question in each section.
Revision and “So What?”
After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. Look for clarity and coherence in your argument. Ensure that each paragraph serves a purpose and contributes to the overall narrative. Ask yourself if you are effectively communicating your motivations and goals. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Be wary of these common mistakes:
- Using generic openers or filler phrases that do not add value.
- Failing to provide specific examples or metrics to support your claims.
- Neglecting to reflect on your experiences and their significance.
- Overusing passive voice or bureaucratic language that obscures your message.
By focusing on your unique journey and articulating your aspirations clearly, you will create an essay that resonates with the scholarship committee.
FAQ
What is the deadline for applying for the Beverly A. Harper Scholarship?
How can I make my essay stand out?
What should I include in my essay?
Related articles
Related scholarships
Browse the full scholarship catalog — filter by deadline, category, and more.
- NEW
International Scholarship Program 2026
Communication and Journalism students can compare this scholarship with a listed award of As scholarship holders of… and a 07.15.26 deadline while planning eligibility fit and required materials.
Best for: Communication and Journalism studentsAs scholarship holders of…
Award Amount
Direct to student
07.15.26
5 days left
07.15.26
5 days left
As scholarship holders of…
Award Amount
Direct to student
- NEW
Washington State Founders Scholarship
Business Management and Marketing students can compare this scholarship with a listed award of award worth $2,500 and a 09.30.26 deadline while planning eligibility fit and required materials.
Best for: Business Management and Marketing studentsaward worth $2,500
Award Amount
09.30.26
82 days left
09.30.26
82 days left
award worth $2,500
Award Amount
STEMQuick ApplyWomenMinorityAfrican AmericanDisabilityInternational StudentsHispanicNative AmericanHigh School SeniorHigh SchoolUndergraduateGraduateCommunity CollegeGPA 2.5+WAWashington - NEW
Johnson Minority Women in STEM Scholarship
Agriculture and Related Sciences students can compare this scholarship with a listed award of $500 and a 07.27.26 deadline while planning eligibility fit and required materials.
Best for: Agriculture and Related Sciences students$500
Award Amount
07.27.26
17 days left
07.27.26
17 days left
$500
Award Amount
- NEW
Women in LAS Scholarship
Agriculture and Related Sciences students can compare this scholarship with a listed award of $700 and a 06.24.27 deadline while planning eligibility fit and required materials.
Best for: Agriculture and Related Sciences students$700
Award Amount
06.24.27
349 days left
06.24.27
349 days left
$700
Award Amount
- Fellows are placed at one of the participating USA universities . Fellows are not able to choose which university they will attend. Rather, they are assigned in diverse groups of 7-15 to the most appropriate host institution based on their area of interest and professional field. Level/Field of study: As a non-degree program, the Fellowship offers valuable opportunities for professional development through selected university courses, attending conferences, networking, and practical work experiences. The eligible program fields are: • Agricultural and Rural Development • Communications/Journalism • Economic Development • Educational Administration, Planning and Policy • Finance and Banking • Higher Education Administration • HIV/AIDS Policy and Prevention • Human Resource Management • Law and Human Rights • Natural Resources, Environmental Policy, and Climate Change • Public Health Policy and Management • Public Policy Analysis and Public Administration • Substance Abuse Education, Treatment and Prevention • Teaching of English as a Foreign Language • Technology Policy and Management • Trafficking in Persons Policy and Prevention • Urban and Regional Planning Number of Awards: Approximately 200 Fellowships are awarded annually.VerifiedNEW
Hubert Humphrey in USA for International Students
Agriculture and Related Sciences students can compare this scholarship with a listed award of Amount Varies and a Oct 1 deadline while planning eligibility fit and required materials.
Best for: Agriculture and Related Sciences studentsRecurringAmount Varies
Award Amount
Paid to school
Oct 1
Annual deadline
Oct 1
Annual deadline
Amount Varies
Award Amount
Paid to school