GCSAA Legacy Awards

GCSAA believes in investing in the future of the profession. To ensure this, GCSAA's philanthropic arm, the GCSAA Foundation, administers a number of different scholarships for students pursuing careers in the golf course industry, future turfgrass researchers and educators, children and grandchildren of GCSAA members, and foreign students studying in the United States.

Applicants must be enrolled full time at an accredited institution of higher learning, or for high school seniors, they must have been accepted at such an institution for the next academic year.

In addition, award winners are ineligible to apply the year following their award, but can reapply after a one-year hiatus.

General

The GCSAA Legacy Awards competition offers education aid to the children and grandchildren of GCSAA members. Awards of $1,500 each are funded by Syngenta and the GCSAA Foundation.

Applications will be reviewed by an independent committee consisting of three high school educators and three college administrators. All decisions of the committee will be final. Applicants will be notified of their status by mail by June 15 of the year submitted. All scholarship award checks will be made payable to the applicant and his/her educational institution.

Eligibility

• At least one or more of the applicant's parents or grandparents must be an active Class A, B, C, Equipment Manager, A-Retired, B-Retired or AA member of GCSAA and/or IGCEMA for five or more consecutive years. The competition is open to natural or adoptive offspring of GCSAA members. Children, stepchildren or grandchildren of deceased members are also eligible if the member was active at the time of his or her death.
• The student must be enrolled full-time at an accredited institution of higher learning, or in the case of high school seniors, must be accepted at such an institution for the next academic year. Graduating high school seniors must include a letter of acceptance with the application
• If the applicant is currently serving or has served in any branch of the military, they are eligible if they are enrolled in a minimum of 3 credit hours per every 9 weeks at an accredited institution of higher learning, technical school or online program.
• Past winners are ineligible to apply the following year. They may reapply after a one-year hiatus.
• More than one student from the same family may apply and be awarded a scholarship within the same year.
• Children of those employed by Syngenta, the GCSAA Foundation’s Board of Trustees, the GCSAA Board of Directors, and GCSAA staff are not eligible for this program.

Criteria for Selection

• Applicants will be evaluated based on academic achievement, extracurricular and community involvement, leadership and outside employment.
• The student must submit an original essay of up to 500 words on any topic related to the golf industry. The essay must be original and not previously submitted to GCSAA.
• Financial need is not a factor in the selection.

How to Apply

Students must complete the application form and supply the following:

• Transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended.
• Original essay.
• Graduating high school seniors must attach a collegiate letter of acceptance.
• The annual deadline is April 15.