The Richard P. Mills Scholarship was established in 2009 by SFA and SFMI leaders to recognize New York State Education Commissioner Mills’ dedication and leadership, and his particular support of SFA members and their important work in school facilities. Each year, SFA and SFMI offer this school facilities professional development scholarship to one deserving member in good standing to underwrite attendance at our Annual School Facilities Professional Development Conference in October and the School Facilities Managers’ Academy in December — a value of more than $2,000. The Richard P. Mills Scholarship is open to all DOF and Affiliate members with seven or fewer years of service who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to the school facilities profession and a promise for future leadership.
Chapter Presidents or State Directors of the Association nominate candidates in writing. Candidates must demonstrate a need for the educational opportunity, financial support, or professional mentorship. Nominees who have prioritized all three are highly favored. SFA Officers and the SFMI Board of Directors review all nominees to ensure candidates meet the criteria.
Scholarship Includes
- Full participation in the NYSSFA Annual Conference (Sunday–Wednesday)
- Attendance at one SFMI Academy offering within the next 12 months
Chapter Presidents or State Directors must submit nominations through the online nomination form.
New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal (NYSIR) annually donates five scholarships for NYSSFA members to attend the School Facilities Managers’ Conference and Expo. Nominees must be a first-time conference attendee and be a SFA member in good standing. Recipients must agree to wear a badge provided by NYSIR during the duration of the conference, have their photo used in a NYSIR follow-up story, as well as be interviewed by NYSIR.
Chapter Presidents or State Directors must submit nominations through the online nomination form.
The James L. Day Memorial Scholarship was established and is generously funded by the Day family to honor the life, leadership, and legacy of Jim Day, entrepreneur, mentor, founder of Day Automation, and supporter of SFA. Throughout his career, Jim dedicated himself to improving school facilities, supporting educational communities, mentoring future leaders, and building lasting relationships grounded in integrity, hard work, and genuine friendship. Jim believed deeply in the value of craftsmanship, creativity, humility, and helping others succeed. He built a company culture centered on treating all people as peers, and doing the right thing in every situation. He understood the value in attending the State-level SFA conference.
This scholarship is intended to help an SFA member attend the State-level conference that otherwise could not do so. Preference should be given to a new SFA member who has not had the opportunity to attend the conference. The candidate should demonstrate exceptional dedication to the profession, a commitment to serving their school communities, and strong potential for future leadership. The scholarship may be used to underwrite attendance at professional development conferences, leadership academies, training programs, or other educational opportunities that advance the recipient’s growth within the school facilities profession.
Applicants or nominees must submit a written statement describing their professional background, career goals, and how this scholarship opportunity would support their continued development as a leader in the school facilities profession.
Selection of the scholarship recipient will be made by the designated scholarship committee or leadership board, with careful consideration given to the candidate’s character, commitment to the profession, and alignment with the values and legacy of Jim Day.
Scholarship Includes
- Full participation in the NYSSFA Annual Conference (Sunday–Wednesday)
- Attendance at one SFMI Academy offering within the next 12 months
Chapter Presidents or State Directors must submit nominations through the online nomination form.
