ISSA Scholars, an ISSA Charities™ signature program, opened its scholarship applications for the 2025-2026 academic year. Employees of all ISSA member companies and their families are encouraged to apply now through April 21.

“Our commitment is not just to financial support but to nurturing the future leaders of the cleaning industry,” said Sandy Wolfrum ISSA Charities Director of Development. “As ISSA Scholars continues to invest in the generation, we proudly extend scholarships to deserving students, empowering them to reach new heights in higher education.”

On an annual basis, ISSA Scholars awards scholarships to students who showcase outstanding academic and leadership qualities. These scholarships serve as a beacon of support, alleviating the financial strain of tuition for individuals affiliated with ISSA member companies, including employees and their immediate family members, as they embark on their educational journeys at accredited four-year colleges and universities.

With the support of generous ISSA member companies, ISSA Scholars awarded US$144,500 in financial aid to 42 students in 2024. Member companies looking to provide support can donate to existing funds or develop their own scholarship award. ISSA announces the complete list of scholarship recipients and company sponsors each year.

To apply for a scholarship or to donate to ISSA Scholars, click here.

To create a scholarship fund under an ISSA member company, contact Sandy Wolfrum at [email protected].

Despite an increasing number of Americans making a point to wash their hands more during cold and flu season, a growing number of people—almost 80%­—have witnessed others leave public restrooms without washing their hands, according to Bradley Company’s Healthy Handwashing Survey™.

 The survey conducted in January 2025 shows that public concern regarding contracting the flu has gradually increased since 2016. Currently, 65% of survey respondents are very or somewhat concerned about the flu, compared to only 53% nine years ago. To fend off the flu virus, 79% are washing their hands more frequently or thoroughly, reflecting an increase from 74% last year.

Further, 93% believe handwashing is important for their health so they wash their hands, on average, 7.5 times per day. Americans tend to be more diligent about washing their hands when out in public (37%) than when at home (20%), although many (43%) said they are equally diligent no matter the location.

“Handwashing, using soap and warm water, is an easy and effective way to reduce the spread of disease-causing organisms that cause sickness, like the flu and norovirus,” said medical microbiologist Michael P. McCann, Ph.D., professor emeritus, Saint Joseph’s University. “Given the ease with which some of these organisms can be spread on solid surfaces, in food, and by other means, handwashing is something that everyone should do after activities like using the restroom.”

The survey found that coughing or sneezing or being with somebody who is sick are the actions most likely to lead to handwashing. When sick, Americans are most likely to drink more fluids (89%) and wash their hands more frequently (87%). 

 While flu concerns and handwashing practices are elevated, reports of improper handwashing practices are also rising. An increasing number of Americans said they frequently see others leave public restrooms without washing their hands. Three-fourths (77%) now make this observation at least occasionally, compared with 68% last year.

 Still, 81% said they always wash their hands after using a public restroom and another 11% said they usually do. As we age, we become more likely to wash our hands after using a public restroom—only 70% of 18-24-year-olds said they always do so, compared to 92% of those aged 55 or more. Men are somewhat more likely to skip washing their hands than women.

While lathering up with soap and water is the best way to wash hands, 45% admit to just rinsing their hands with water. More men bypass the bubbles compared with women (53% versus 38%).

 When it comes to children, many parents believe their kids are taking handwashing shortcuts. More than one-third (38%) do not think their children wash their hands enough, and only one-in-four parents believe their children always wash their hands when they tell them to do so.

“For those who skip handwashing in a public restroom, the most common reasons are a lack of soap or paper towels, sinks that are dirty or out of service, overcrowding, and bad smells,” said Jon Dommisse, Bradley Company vice president of business development and strategy. “It’s no wonder that the most desired improvement in public bathrooms is keeping them more consistently clean and stocked with supplies.”

For facilities, a poorly maintained restroom not only interferes with handwashing follow through, it can also create negative perceptions. Most (84%) said that an unclean or unpleasant restroom at a business or other establishment has a negative impact on their overall impression of that business or establishment.

The annual Healthy Handwashing Survey from Bradley queried 1,032 American adults Jan. 3-14, 2025, about their handwashing habits, concerns about seasonal viruses, and their use of public restrooms. For more information from the survey, click here.