EDSA Diversity Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Landscape Architecture Foundation
Introduction
The EDSA Diversity Scholarship was created to support African American, Hispanic, Native American, and students from other underrepresented cultural and ethnic backgrounds who are pursuing studies in landscape architecture. Applicants must be either in the last two years of an undergraduate landscape architecture program or enrolled in a graduate degree program in landscape architecture.
About EDSA
Founded in 1960 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, EDSA is a planning, landscape architecture, and urban design firm with additional offices in Orlando, Baltimore, New York, and Shanghai. The firm views design as a lifestyle and guiding professional principle, focused on responsible land use and the thoughtful shaping of human environments. EDSA’s international portfolio reflects a commitment to creating distinctive, innovative, and enduring outdoor spaces that work harmoniously with nature and inspire future projects and generations.
How to Apply
Refer to the General Application Guidelines for instructions on using the online application portal. All materials must be submitted according to the posted guidelines and deadlines to be considered; supplementary or late materials will not be reviewed.
Required Application Materials
All applicants to LAF scholarships and fellowships (including this scholarship) must submit the following items:
- General Submission Form: Complete the online form with your contact details and information about your degree program.
- Photo: Submit a horizontal color headshot in JPG format, minimum 1800 x 1200 pixels. The photo should be well-lit, on a simple background, and show your entire head and shoulders. LAF reserves the right to use submitted photos on its website and in materials promoting LAF scholarship programs.
- Bio for LAF Website (150 words maximum): Upload as PDF, Microsoft Word, or TXT. In 150 words or fewer, summarize your background, current studies, future goals, and any notable personal interests or activities.
- Resume/CV (2 pages maximum): Upload a PDF that lists your education, work experience, extracurricular involvement, and honors/awards. Include “Applicant Name / Resume / Scholarship Name” and a page number on each page.
Additional materials required specifically for the EDSA Diversity Scholarship:
- Letters of Recommendation (2): Provide the email address for each recommender; they will receive instructions to submit their letters directly.
- Essay (2 pages maximum): Upload an original essay as a PDF. In 500 words or fewer, describe a design or research initiative you intend to pursue and explain how it will advance the profession and relate to your ethnic heritage. The essay must use at least 1" margins, 10-point or larger font, contain no images or graphics, and be no more than two pages. Include “Applicant Name / Essay / Scholarship Name” and page numbers on each page.
- Work Samples (3 pages maximum): Combine three 8.5" x 11" work samples into a single PDF. Each sample must include brief explanatory text; if a submission is a group project, indicate that and describe your specific role. Put “Applicant Name / Work Samples / Scholarship Name” and a page number on each page.
Completion of Demographic Question
On the final question of the General Submission Form, you will be asked to indicate your racial or ethnic background. Please provide this information as requested.