Larry R. Hall Memorial Scholarship Fund for Education and Training
Offered by TREE Fund
About this scholarship
The Larry R. Hall Memorial Scholarship Fund for Education and Training is a $5,000 TREE Fund award for students who intend to enter arboriculture sciences or a related profession. The Illinois Arborist Association established the permanent endowment in memory of longtime Illinois arborist and educator Larry Hall, so applicants from Illinois or attending an Illinois institution receive preference. High-school seniors entering a two-year college, four-year college, university, or trade school may apply, as may returning students pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree at an accredited U.S. institution. Applicants need a genuine professional interest in arboriculture, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and membership in the Illinois Arborist Association; student membership is acceptable. The award is paid in fall and spring installments, with the second payment dependent on re-enrollment and GPA standing. Up to $500 may be used for books, supplies, or equipment. The application asks for academic and enrollment information, scholarship and extracurricular history, a transcript, an essay of up to 1,000 words about career goals, and two recommendations including one from an academic advisor. TREE Fund evaluates academic record, essay quality, references, and the likelihood that the candidate will continue in arboriculture, urban forestry, or a related green industry. Applications are accepted annually from January 15 through March 15.
Eligibility
- Be a high-school senior entering postsecondary study or a returning student seeking a first associate or bachelor’s degree
- Attend or plan to attend an accredited U.S. college, university, or trade school
- Actively pursue a professional career in arboriculture sciences or a related field
- Hold a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5
- Be a member of the Illinois Arborist Association; student membership is accepted
- Submit a transcript, a career essay of no more than 1,000 words, and two recommendations including one from an academic advisor
- Understand that Illinois residents and students attending an Illinois institution receive preference