EDSA Diversity Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Landscape Architecture Foundation
Description
Description: The EDSA Diversity Scholarship supports students from African American, Hispanic, Native American and other underrepresented cultural and ethnic backgrounds who are pursuing landscape architecture. The award is intended to help recipients continue their education during the final phases of undergraduate study or while enrolled in a graduate program. The scholarship emphasizes advancing the profession while recognizing the contributions of diverse cultural perspectives. Applicants must demonstrate how their background and proposed work relate to the goals of the scholarship.
- Supports underrepresented students in landscape architecture
- Focused on final two undergraduate years and graduate students
- Connects applicants’ cultural heritage with professional advancement
Eligibility
Eligibility: Candidates must identify as African American, Hispanic, Native American, or another underrepresented cultural or ethnic group and be enrolled in a landscape architecture program. Eligible applicants are in their final two years of undergraduate study or are pursuing a graduate degree in landscape architecture. Selection criteria emphasize both academic progress and the applicant’s potential to contribute to the profession. Applicants should ensure they meet program enrollment requirements before applying.
- Open to underrepresented cultural and ethnic backgrounds
- Must be in final two undergraduate years or a graduate student in landscape architecture
- Selection considers academic progress and professional potential
History of the Award
History of the Award: The scholarship is affiliated with EDSA, a planning, landscape architecture, and urban design firm founded in 1960 and based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. EDSA’s global practice and commitment to thoughtful land use and human environments underpin the firm’s support for educational opportunities. The scholarship reflects EDSA’s professional ethos of creating distinctive and enduring outdoor spaces while fostering diversity within the field. The award aims to extend the firm’s values by supporting students who will bring diverse perspectives into landscape architecture.
- Affiliated with EDSA, established in 1960
- Reflects firm values of thoughtful design and stewardship of land
- Supports diversity as a component of professional practice
How to Apply
To Apply: Applicants must use the online application system and follow the General Application Guidelines. All materials must be submitted by the stated deadlines and conform to the listed formatting requirements; additional or late materials will not be reviewed. Carefully follow submission instructions to ensure your application is eligible for consideration. Contact information and program details are collected via the General Submission Form.
- Apply using the online application system
- Adhere to guidelines and deadlines; no additional materials accepted
- Complete the General Submission Form with accurate contact and program details
Application Contents
Application Contents: All applicants must submit a set of core documents and several scholarship-specific materials in the prescribed formats. Required items include a general submission form, photo, short bio, resume, letters of recommendation, an essay, and work samples. Follow file format, page limits, naming conventions, and formatting rules exactly as specified to ensure your application is reviewed. Be sure to answer the final question on the General Submission Form describing your racial or ethnic background.
- Provide all required materials in the specified formats and sizes
- Follow naming and pagination instructions on each document
- Complete the racial/ethnic background question on the General Submission Form
- General Submission Form: Complete the online form with contact information and program details.
- Photo: Color headshot in JPG, at least 1800 x 1200 px, horizontal, well-lit with a simple background; LAF may use submitted photos for promotion.
- Bio (150-word max): PDF, DOC, or TXT describing background, education, plans, and interests.
- Resume (2 page max): PDF including education, experience, activities, and honors; include Applicant Name/Resume/Scholarship Name and page numbers.
- 2 Letters of Recommendation: Provide recommender emails; instructions will be sent to them.
- Essay (2 page max): PDF; 500 words or less describing a proposed design or research effort and its contribution to the profession and your heritage; max two pages, 1" margins, 10-point or larger font, no images; include Applicant Name/Essay/Scholarship Name and page numbers.
- Work Samples (3 page max): One PDF containing three 8.5 x 11 samples with explanatory text; indicate individual role for group projects; include Applicant Name/Work Samples/Scholarship Name and page numbers.