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EDSA Diversity Scholarships 

EDSA logo

Award: Two $5,000 winners
Deadline: February 1

The EDSA Diversity Scholarship was established to help African American, Hispanic, Native American and minority students of other cultural and ethnic backgrounds continue their landscape architecture education. Eligible candidates are in their final two years of undergraduate study or pursuing a graduate degree in landscape architecture.

Founded in 1960, EDSA is a planning, landscape architecture and urban design firm based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with offices in Orlando, Baltimore, New York, and Shanghai. For the EDSA team, design is a way of life –- a professional philosophy, a creative rallying, and a shared purpose. Dedicated to the proper use of land resources and the thoughtful creation of human environments, the firm’s global experience pays tribute to the passionate creation of distinctive, innovative, and inspiring environments. Working in conjunction with nature to achieve impressive results with enduring appeal, EDSA designs outdoor spaces that are timeless, never forced –- and establishes relationships that strengthen these concepts for future projects and generations.

 

To Apply

See the General Application Guidelines for information on using our online application system. All submissions must adhere to guidelines and deadlines in order to be considered. Additional materials will not be reviewed.

 

Application Contents

All LAF scholarships and fellowships require applicants to submit the following materials:

  • General Submission Form*
    Complete this online form with basic contact information and details about your degree program.
  • Photo
    Provide a color headshot in jpg format that is at least 1800x1200 pixels. It should be horizontally-oriented, well-lit with a simple background, and include your entire head and shoulders. LAF retains the right to use any submitted photo on our website and in other materials promoting LAF’s scholarship programs.
  • Bio for the LAF Website (150 word max)
    Provide a short bio in PDF, Microsoft Word, or TXT format. In 150 words or less, describe your background, current educational pursuits, future plans, and any other personal interests or activities.
  • Resume (2 page max)
    Upload your resume or CV in PDF format. It should include your education, professional experience, extra-curricular activities, and honors and awards. Please include Applicant Name/Resume/Scholarship Name and page number on each page.

In addition, this scholarship requires the following:

  • 2 Letters of Recommendation
    Provide the e-mail address for each recommender and instructions will be sent to them.
  • Essay (2 page max)
    Upload your original essay in PDF format. In 500 words or less, describe a design or research effort you plan to pursue, including an explanation of how it will contribute to the advancement of the profession and your ethnic heritage. The essay should be no more than two pages with margins of at least 1”, 10-point or larger font, and no images or graphics. Please include Applicant Name/Essay/Scholarship Name and page number on each page.
  • Work Samples (3 page max)
    Upload three 8.5”x11” work samples in one PDF document. Each should include explanatory text describing the project. If it was a group project, state this and describe your role. Please include Applicant Name/Work Samples/Scholarship Name and page number on each page.

*Please describe your racial or ethnic background on the last question of the General Submission Form.

Since its establishment in 1990, the EDSA Diversity Scholarship has awarded a total of $100,000 to 30 students.

A scholarship winner with EDSA's Kona Gray holding a certificate

Starting in 2021, EDSA added a second $5,000 scholarship award to help African American, Hispanic, Native American, and other cultural and ethnic minorities continue their landscape architecture education.

Nastassja Lafontant poses for a selfie

Nastassja Lafontant of Harvard University is a 2023 recipient of the $5,000 EDSA Diversity Scholarship.

Amber Rachele smiles

Amber Rachele of the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a 2023 recipient of the $5,000 EDSA Diversity Scholarship.

LAF is grateful to the many individuals and organizations that provide financial support towards fulfilling our mission to support the preservation, improvement, and enhancement of the environment.

Much of what LAF is able to accomplish would not be possible without the thought leadership and financial investment of our major supporters, including ASLA, which provides over $125,000 of in-kind support annually.

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