The Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) Foundation established a scholarship program at selected universities for the 2006-2007 academic year for students interested in careers in golf course construction, design or management. Students enrolled at 10 selected universities have been awarded one-year, $1,000 scholarships and have received two-year affiliate GCBAA memberships and mentorship opportunities, allowing them access to several GCBAA-related programs and events that will encourage their involvement in the course construction industry.
The GCBAA's scholarship program is designed to provide students financial and professional assistance as they study and embark on their careers in golf course construction design and management. The following universities participated in GCBAA's inaugural scholarship program:
University of Nebraska - Lincoln: Lincoln, Neb.
Penn State University: University Park, Pa.
Methodist College: Fayetteville, N.C.
Lake City Community College: Lake City, Fla.
University of Wisconsin: Madison, Wis.
Kansas State University: Manhattan, Kan.
Colorado State University: Fort Collins, Colo.
Arizona State University: Tempe, Ariz.
University of California - San Diego: San Diego, Calif.
Washington State University: Pullman, Wash.
Eligible students had to 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 operations. Students also had to 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 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 scholarship selection process is administered by each college's foundation office with candidate selection recommendations from university department representatives. Department representatives are ambassadors of the GCBAA's scholarship program and also receive GCBAA affiliate membership.
The GCBAA encourages its members to match scholarship funds at any of the selected universities. The GCBAA will also select 10 additional schools in the 2007-2008 academic year to receive scholarship funding. GCBAA members may contact the GCBAA to recommend universities that have academic programs meeting the GCBAA's scholarship program guidelines to receive scholarship funds. If those universities are selected to receive funds, members may also match scholarship funds at those universities.