In 2010, GFOA's Executive Board voted to create the Government Finance Professional Development Scholarship, which was renamed the Betty Jo Harker Scholarship in 2024 to support the studies of students with a career interest in state and local government finance. Applicants must be pursuing their studies in public administration, (governmental) accounting, finance, economics, or business administration (with specific focus on government). Applicants must have been or be employed for at least two years by one or more state or local governments. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from someone who can speak to their commitment to the public sector. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Government Finance Officers Association for more information.