HGCSA Scholarship

HGCSA SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Standard Operating Procedures
  1. Purpose
    To identify and recognize children and grandchildren of the Hawaii Golf Course Superintendent Association and students pursuing a degree related to golf management or sports field management. The award will be funded by the HGCSA and administered by an HGCSA appointed Scholarship Committee.
  2. Eligibility Criteria
    - Must be a member, child, dependent, or grandchild of a member of the Hawaii Golf Course Superintendent Association, Golf Course Superintendent Association of America and have maintained a membership for three or more consecutive years; or must be pursuing a degree related to golf maintenance, agronomy, sports management, or similar field in the state of Hawaii.
    - Must be enrolled full-time or accepted to an accredited institution of higher learning, accredited technical college or other education related endeavor deemed appropriate by the Scholarship Committee.
    - Maintain a minimum GPA or academic standing (3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale).
    - If a child, dependent or grandchild of a current Scholarship Committee is applying, or if a committee member feels there is a personal bias, they must excuse themselves from the committee.
    - Scholarship Committee to be voted on by HGCSA board on a yearly basis.
    - Any number of students from the same family may apply and past winners may apply.
    - Children of deceased members are eligible to apply up to 3 years from time of death.
  3. Application Requirements
    - Completed application form.
    - Personal statement or essay (up to 500 words) explaining career goals, interest in golf or turfgrass management.
    - Official transcripts from current academic institutions.
    - Graduating high school seniors or transfer students must attach a letter of acceptance.
    - Applications must be received by May 31. Complete the application at https://www.hgcsa.org/
    - Applicants will be required to complete an interview with one or more of the Scholarship Committee
  4. Selection Criteria
    - Academic achievement and potential.
    - Leadership qualities and community involvement.
    - Demonstrated passion for environmental stewardship or turfgrass management.
    - Dedication to the game of golf or related industries.
    - A panel of association members to review applications and score them based on established rubrics.
    - Interviews with finalists to assess character, leadership, and alignment with golf association goals.
  5. Fund Allocation
    - Scholarships awarded based on a predetermined amount per student. The amount per student will be dependent on fundraising and the number of applicants.
    - Scholarship recipients may be required to submit progress reports or updates on academic achievements.
    - Scholarship funds must be used for qualified educational purposes. Funds will be distributed directly to institute of higher learning. Students will be required to provide the address.