ICMA’s global scholarship awards are returning for the 2024 winter application cycle. The Tranter-Leong Fellowship and John Garvey Scholarship are unique opportunities for ICMA members to explore how to enhance their professional development. Through each of these awards, ICMA members have engaged with their peers in local governments around the world to gain unmatched knowledge exchange, providing fresh perspectives and transformative experiences. In addition to the long-lasting connections and friendships they have made, these members have relayed their stories of how these unique experiences equipped them with the tools to identify alternative and innovative approaches to solving their governance and community challenges. Recipients of ICMA’s global scholarship awards for the fall 2023 cycle share their excitement for their exchanges and the benefits of global knowledge exchange.

Ana Elizarraga – Tranter-Leong Fellowship Recipient

“I am most excited to participate in building key performance indicators for the Corregidora Municipality's performance metrics program. The fellowship will allow me to provide practical improvements and professionalization of local governance in Mexico, while also enriching my cultural point of view to better serve my community in the United States.”

Michael Mallinoff – Tranter-Leong Fellowship Recipient

“The City of Annapolis is looking to expand cycling infrastructure, while addressing sea level rise resiliency along our harbor and neighborhoods. I would like to thank ICMA for the Tranter-Leong Fellowship, and the great opportunity to enjoy my passion for cycling by studying best practices infrastructure in the Netherlands.”

Daniela Rivas – John Garvey Scholarship Recipient

“I am profoundly grateful to be a recipient of the John Garvey Scholarship award.  It is humbling to be honored in the name of John Garvey. I am incredibly excited and look forward to this international experience that will grow me personally and professionally. This opportunity will support my efforts to promote good governance in my public service journey.”

Katie Walpole – John Garvey Scholarship Recipient

“Thank you, ICMA, for awarding me the John Garvey Scholarship; it is a true honor to be selected! I am looking forward to using the funds to advance local government by working to promote partnerships with local government peers that extend beyond city/county and state boundaries. In our increasingly connected and globalized world, this is a perfect opportunity to build foundational partnerships for years to come.”

More About the Tranter-Leong Fellowship

The Tranter-Leong Fellowship is designed to help ICMA members take part in global professional development experiences. Fellowship funds are available for members interested in conducting research, teaching at an educational institution, working with a current or potential ICMA partner, job shadowing in a host community, or such other activities as providing technical assistance or working on a special project outside of their home country.

More About the John Garvey Scholarship

The John Garvey Scholarship provides an opportunity for ICMA members under 40 years of age to gain a global management perspective through participation in an international conference or event and to increase the number of underrepresented groups participating in exchange programs or other global activities.

Available Opportunities

Applications for the winter 2024 cycle are open from January 22 through February 22. The ICMA International Committee administers these awards and plans to announce the selected recipients in April 2024.The Tranter-Leong Fellowship is a $5,000 award, and the John Garvey Scholarship provides $3,500 in support. Learn more about these opportunities and apply at Tranter-Leong Fellowship and John Garvey Scholarship.