CPSM Scholarship

The Kelly McGann Path to Certification Scholarship

The SMPS Philadelphia Chapter is pleased to offer a CPSM (Certified Professional Services Marketer) scholarship. Named in honor of Kelly McGann, CPSM, it will be awarded to an eligible SMPS Philadelphia Chapter member who is committed to obtaining CPSM certification. Valued at $880, the scholarship consists of the Boot Camp fee, application fee, online exam fee, and SMPS suggested reading materials. The exam fee reimbursement is contingent upon a passing grade. The recipient must meet all eligibility requirements and submission requests. Priority will be given to applicants based on their length of membership, level of activity and involvement within the chapter, and plans for continued growth and involvement with SMPS and in promoting the CPSM program. 

Apply Now for the 2025/2026 Scholarship

Valued at approximately $880, the scholarship consists of:

• SMPS Philadelphia Boot Camp Fee
• SMPS CPSM Application Fee
• SMPS suggested reading materials
• Examination Fee*

(*Exam fee reimbursement is contingent upon passing the exam.)

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:

• Must meet eligibility criteria for SMPS CPSM Certification per SMPS (CPSM Eligibility).
• Must have been an an SMPS Philadelphia Chapter Member for at least one (1) full membership year and be a current Chapter Member in good standing at the time of application and throughout the disbursement of the scholarship funds, if awarded.
• Must commit to participating in the Philadelphia Chapter CPSM Boot Camp Sessions. The Boot Camp is scheduled to run from December 4, 2025 through January 29, 2026, and includes optional study sessions. Sessions will be held on Thursday from noon to 1:30 PM.
• Must commit to taking the CPSM in either the March or September testing windows.

Scholarship Submission Details:

• To apply for the CPSM Scholarship, you must submit the following information for consideration:
  • Name, role/title, firm name, contact information, membership origination date, SMPS Member Number
  • Current resume
  • Summary of SMPS activities and involvement with the Philadelphia Chapter to date
  • Responses to the following questions:
    • Why do you want to pursue CPSM certification?
    • What do you hope to gain from participating in the Boot Camp and attaining your CPSM certification?
    • How have you benefited from SMPS and the Philadelphia Chapter to date?
    • How do you plan to give back to SMPS and the Philadelphia Chapter after obtaining your CPSM certification?
  • Letter from your supervisor supporting your pursuit of CPSM certification and your attendance at the Boot Camp in the 2025/2026 program year.
  • Statement committing to becoming involved in promoting the CPSM program within the Philadelphia Chapter if awarded the scholarship.

Scholarship Recipient Selection Criteria:

The scholarship recipient must meet all eligibility requirements and submission requests. Priority will be given to applicants based on their length of membership, level of activity and involvement within the chapter, and plans for continued growth and involvement with SMPS Philadelphia and in promoting the CPSM program. Selection will be made by a committee made up of current SMPS Philadelphia Chapter Board members, current Chapter CPSMs, and a Chapter Past President. Current board members who wish to apply must excuse themselves from the vote.

Submission:

Submissions shall be made via email to Jaime Kacperowski, CPSM no later than 6:00 PM on Monday, November 10, 2025. Late applications will not be considered. The scholarship winner will be notified by Wednesday, November 20, 2024, and publicly announced via SMPS Philadelphia social media.

contact

Jaime Kacperowski, CPSM
Creative Marketing Director, Spiezle Group Inc.
Email