Mary Leigh Barbusin, Garden State Towing Association Scholarship Fund
The Garden State Towing Association (GSTA) established this scholarship fund in honor of our longtime Executive Director, Mary Leigh Barbusin. These scholarships are intended to assist the dependent children of GSTA members who wish to pursue a college education or technical degree at an accredited technical/vocational school, two-year college, or four-year college or university.
The application period for the 2026 scholarship has now closed. We thank all of this year’s applicants for their interest and encourage eligible students and families to check back in early 2027 for information on the next application period, including updated deadlines and submission instructions.
Scholarships are awarded based on academic potential, financial need, and special circumstances without regard to race, creed, gender, disability, religion, or national origin.
Applicants must be New Jersey residents who are dependent children (naturally or legally adopted children, or stepchildren living in the employee’s household or primarily supported by the employee), age 23 or younger, of a regular GSTA member or associate member in good standing. The member or member company must have a minimum of one year of membership with GSTA.
Awards are for undergraduate study only.
Interested students must complete the GSTA Scholarship Fund Application for the applicable academic year, submit a 500-word essay titled “Who You Are and Why You Deserve This Scholarship,” and include a current transcript of grades.
Applicants are responsible for gathering and submitting all necessary information. Applications are evaluated based on the information provided, so it is important to answer all questions as completely as possible. All information received is considered confidential and is reviewed by the GSTA Scholarship Committee, Executive Board, and staff.
The candidate selection is made by the GSTA Scholarship Committee with final approval by the Executive Board. The committee evaluates applicants based on past educational performance, future potential, work experience, career aspirations and goals, leadership and participation in school and community activities, volunteer efforts, financial need, and any special circumstances. Anyone serving on the Scholarship Committee agrees that their family members are not eligible to participate in the program.
Click here donate to the Scholarship Fund
Any questions can be directed to:
John Tumino, Tumino’s Towing
37 Emerson Street, Ridgefield Park NJ
support@gsta.org