The Golf Course Builders Association of America Foundation has begun accepting entries at select schools for its 2007-2008 GCBAA Scholarship Program. Students who are interested in a career in golf course construction, design and/or related product development and who are enrolled at 20 participating universities are welcome to submit applications for one-year, $1,000 scholarships and two-year affiliate GCBAA memberships.
Scholarship recipients will also receive mentorship opportunities, allowing them access to several GCBAA-associated programs and events that will encourage their involvement in the course construction industry. Interested students at participating schools may direct eligibility and deadline inquiries to their respective university golf-related program coordinators. Program coordinators will also accept students' GCBAA Foundation scholarship applications.
The GCBAA's scholarship program is designed to provide students with financial and professional assistance as they study and embark on their careers in golf course construction, design and/or product-related development. Students at the following colleges and universities with accredited golf-associated programs are welcome to apply:
Arizona State University - Tempe, Ariz.
California State Polytechnic University - Pomona, Calif.
Colorado State University - Fort Collins, Colo.
Kansas State University - Manhattan, Kan.
Lake City Community College - Lake City, Fla.
Methodist College - Fayetteville, N.C.
Michigan State University - East Lansing, Mich.
Mississippi State University - Starkville, Miss.
Oklahoma State University - Stillwater, Okla.
Penn State University - University Park, Pa.
Rutgers University - New Brunswick, N.J.
Texas A&M University - College Station, Texas
University of California-San Diego - San Diego, Calif.
University of Georgia - Athens, Ga.
University of Maryland - College Park, Md.
University of Massachusetts - Amherst, Mass.
University of Missouri- Columbia, Mo.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln, Neb.
University of Wisconsin - Madison, Wis.
Washington State University - Pullman, Wash.
Eligible applicants for the 2007-2008 GCBAA Foundation scholarship must be in their third, fourth or fifth year of study in the following degree programs: professional golf management, construction management, landscape architecture, turf grass management and golf course- related product manufacturing and/or distribution. Applicants must also have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above.
In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients also receive professional support. Each student is given a two-year affiliate membership in the GCBAA, which entitles them to the GCBAA's membership directory, Web site access and local member meetings. Students also receive the GCBAA newsletter, "Earth Shaping News," and complimentary passes to selected professional golf events. As affiliate members, GCBAA scholars may also participate in the GCBAA's member internship and mentoring program with a local GCBAA member or company. This program gives scholarship recipients access to professionals in their respective fields in order to learn from--and possibly gain future employment with--golf construction industry practitioners.
The GCBAA encourages its members to match scholarship funds at any of the selected universities. For example, in the 2006-2007 academic year, three GCBAA members donated matching scholarship funds to Arizona State University, Rutgers University and the University of Wisconsin, which allowed for additional scholarships to be awarded.
For the 2007-2008 academic year, 16 matching scholarships have been donated at the participating schools, which will provide more scholarships for students. GCBAA members may contact the GCBAA to recommend universities that have academic programs meeting the GCBAA's scholarship program guidelines to receive scholarship funds.
