LAF Honor Scholarship for Inclusive Community Design
Scholarship Sponsored by Landscape Architecture Foundation
Overview
Description: The LAF Honor Scholarship supports graduate students in landscape architecture who demonstrate commitment to inclusive, community-scale design in underserved urban areas. The award favors candidates pursuing careers in the public or non-profit sectors and emphasizes practical leadership and engagement with urban communities. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited master's program in the United States or Canada. Submissions are evaluated through a standardized online process and must meet published guidelines and deadlines.
- Supports master's students focused on community-scale, urban design.
- Preference for candidates aiming for public or non-profit careers.
- Applications are submitted and reviewed through an online system.
Eligibility
Eligibility: Applicants must be current students in an LAAB- or LAAC-accredited master's degree program at a university in the U.S. or Canada. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is required. Candidates should demonstrate commitment to underserved urban communities and to addressing community-scale design issues. Preference is given to those interested in non-profit or public sector careers in landscape architecture.
- Open to LAAB- or LAAC-accredited master's students in the U.S. and Canada.
- Minimum GPA requirement of 2.5 (4.0 scale).
- Emphasis on demonstrated commitment to underserved urban communities.
Selection Criteria
Description: Selection is based primarily on academic performance and demonstrated commitment or leadership in inclusive community design. Evaluators also consider indicators of financial need as part of the decision-making process. Recommenders are asked to address the candidate’s qualities and community-focused work. All materials submitted within the online system are considered; additional materials will not be reviewed.
- Academic performance and leadership in community design are primary factors.
- Financial need is considered alongside merit and commitment.
- Letters of recommendation should speak to community engagement and exemplary qualities.
Application
Application Instructions: Applicants must follow the General Application Guidelines and submit all materials via the online application system by the stated deadlines. Late or additional materials will not be reviewed. Ensure each uploaded document meets format and size requirements described in the guidelines. Contact instructions for recommenders are provided through the application portal to facilitate letter submission.
- Use the online application system and follow the published guidelines and deadlines.
- Do not submit additional or late materials; only materials uploaded through the system will be considered.
- Recommenders receive instructions via email from the application portal.
Application Contents
Description: The scholarship requires a set of standardized application materials to provide a complete view of the candidate’s qualifications, background, and financial situation. Required uploads include a headshot, bio, resume, and an essay; several items must follow specific formatting and length limits. Separate online forms capture basic contact and financial aid information. Letters of recommendation are submitted through the system using the recommenders’ email addresses.
- Submit all required documents in the specified formats and adhere to page and word limits.
- Materials uploaded outside the system or exceeding limits will not be reviewed.
- Follow naming and pagination instructions where specified.
- General Submission Form: Complete the online form with contact information and degree program details.
- Photo: Color headshot, jpg, at least 1800×1200 pixels, horizontal orientation, head and shoulders; LAF may use the photo in promotional materials.
- Bio for the LAF Website: 150-word maximum bio uploaded as PDF, Word, or TXT describing background, education, plans, and interests.
- Resume (2 pages max): PDF resume or CV including education, experience, activities, honors; include applicant name, scholarship name, and page numbers on each page.
- Financial Aid Form: Complete the online form detailing financial need and current assistance.
- Letters of Recommendation (2): Provide email addresses for two recommenders; letters should address the candidate’s qualities and commitment to underserved urban communities.
- Essay (2 pages / 800 words max): Upload as PDF; describe academic and professional objectives and commitment to underserved urban communities. Format: maximum two pages, 1" margins, 10-point or larger font, no images; include applicant name, essay, scholarship name, and page numbers on each page.
History of the Award
History of the Award: The LAF Honor Scholarship was established in 2018 by Patrick Phillips to advance the role of landscape architecture in creating safe, healthful, economically productive, and beautiful urban environments. Patrick Phillips, trained as a landscape architect, served as Global CEO of the Urban Land Institute and as president of the ULI Foundation; his career spans over 30 years in real estate and land use economic analysis. The scholarship reflects his belief in the distinct contributions landscape architects can make to inclusive, thriving communities. It commemorates leadership in responsible land use and urban transformation.
- Established in 2018 by Patrick Phillips.
- Reflects a commitment to inclusive, community-focused landscape architecture.
- Honors leadership in responsible land use and urban transformation.