Pest Management Foundation Announces the Hoffman Exterminating's Bugsbee Buddies Scholarship

The Pest Management Foundation has announced the availability of the Hoffman Exterminating's Bugsbee Buddies Scholarship, established by Hoffman’s Exterminating, starting October 1, 2026.

“For more than 46 years, the pest management industry has provided me with opportunities I could never have imagined. I started my career as a part-time helper, in the summer of 1980, with a regional family pest control company. I worked in the field with no experience, no education and no real direction as to where I would go. I was fortunate to learn from mentors, including Bill Kolbe, who invested their time, knowledge and belief in me. Establishing this scholarship through the Pest Management Foundation is my way of giving back to an industry that has given so much to me and my family.

“I believe the future of our profession depends on attracting, developing and supporting the next generation of leaders. Through education, mentorship and opportunity, we can ensure that our industry continues to grow, innovate and serve our communities with excellence.

“It is my hope that this scholarship helps aspiring professionals achieve their goals, discover their potential and build rewarding careers in an industry that has truly changed my life,” said William Hoffman, Hoffman Exterminating.

About the Hoffman Exterminating's Bugsbee Buddies Scholarship

Award Amount: One (1) award per year totaling $1,000

Scholarship Summary: Hoffman’s Exterminating has generously established the Hoffman Exterminating's Bugsbee Buddies Scholarship. This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating high school senior entering college or trade school or a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate college student majoring in environmental sciences, entomology, food sciences or a related field, with an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Students graduating from high school entering college or trade school, or currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate college students majoring in environmental sciences, entomology, food sciences or related fields with an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher. 
• Priority will be given to applicants who are residents of or are attending school in the Delaware Valley, including Southern New Jersey, Southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware. 
• Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate a meaningful connection to environmental stewardship, food safety and sustainability through academic research, professional experience, volunteer activity and/or other relevant engagement opportunities.

Application Requirements:

• Resume or curriculum vita.
• Current unofficial academic transcript.
• A one-page (minimum) essay describing the applicant’s professional goals and aspirations and how he/she plans to use their studies to contribute to a field in urban pest management.
• At least one (1) letter of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s work ethic, academic progress and how he/she plans to use their studies to contribute to their field.
• Other supporting documents (research papers and proposals, faculty research participation, related industry internship participation, fellowship projects, industry work experience, etc.) can also be submitted.

Applications for all Foundation scholarships will open in October. Further details on applying for these scholarships can be found at www.NPMAFoundation.org. For more information about the Foundation and its scholarship program, visit NPMAFoundation.org or contact Mike Bentley at mbentley@pestworld.org.

About the Pest Management Foundation

The Pest Management Foundation’s mission and purpose is to advance the pest management industry through education, research, and training. The Pest Management Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with the National Pest Management Association, the industry's only national trade group. The Foundation has been in existence for more than 30 years and was originally named the Buettner Pest Control Foundation in honor of William O. Buettner, NPMA’s first President and Executive Vice President. Visit NPMAFoundation.org for more information.