Albert James Shoosmith Scholarship Program
Scholarship Sponsored by Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association
Overview
The Albert James (Bert) Shoosmith Scholarship was created by the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association (VNLA) in 2003 to assist students pursuing their first undergraduate degree. VNLA will award at least two scholarships of $1,500 each to students enrolled in a four-year college or university for the upcoming academic year, and at least two scholarships of $750 each to students enrolled in a two-year community college program. Awards will not exceed the educational charges billed by the recipient’s school and will be remitted directly to the institution.
Eligibility and Responsibility
Applicants must be working toward their first undergraduate degree. It is the applicant’s duty to ensure the VNLA scholarship administrator receives all required materials by the stated deadlines. VNLA is not liable for lost or misdirected mail.
Required Materials
Applicants must provide the following:
- An OFFICIAL high school or college transcript for the most recently completed semester. This transcript must be sent directly from the issuing school to the VNLA scholarship administrator in a sealed, stamped envelope and must arrive BEFORE the April 15 deadline.
- One original plus two (2) copies of:
1) The completed Bert Shoosmith Scholarship application.
2) A typed, double-spaced essay (maximum 500 words). In your essay, explain why this VNLA scholarship matters to you, note any special challenges or goals, and describe other financial responsibilities or expenses.
Deadlines
- Official transcripts (sent directly from the school) must be received by the VNLA scholarship administrator before April 15.
- All application materials (including the original application packet and copies) must be received by VNLA by May 31.
Selection Process
Applications will be judged by the VNLA Scholarship Committee together with the VNLA Executive Director. Evaluation factors include scholastic achievement and strength of curriculum, involvement in school activities, volunteer service, hours worked, honors and awards, demonstrated financial need, and the quality of the essay.
Notification and Award Payment
The Scholarship Committee’s decisions are final. Applicants will be notified of results by mail. Scholarship payments will be made directly to the recipient’s school and will not exceed the institution’s billed educational costs.