ASLA-NY Equitable Public Urban Space Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Landscape Architecture Foundation

Introduction / Purpose
The New York Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA‑NY) created this scholarship to support the next generation of leaders working to make urban life more equitable, healthy, and enjoyable. ASLA‑NY’s jurisdiction includes the five boroughs of New York City plus Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island and Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, and Rockland counties.

Eligibility
- Enrollment: Open to currently enrolled undergraduate or master’s students studying landscape architecture at programs accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB) in the United States.
- Geographic connection: To qualify, either the student’s university must be located within the ASLA‑NY Chapter boundary, or the applicant must be a permanent resident of that boundary, or must have graduated from a high school within the boundary.
- Citizenship and GPA: Applicants must be U.S. citizens and hold at least a “B” average (minimum 2.5 on a 4.0 scale).
- Note: At this time, the only LAAB‑accredited program situated inside the ASLA‑NY Chapter boundary is the City College of New York’s Master of Landscape Architecture program.

Focus of the Award
Candidates should show a demonstrated interest in equitable public‑realm design. Applications may emphasize one or more of the following (or otherwise make a case for the applicant’s dedication to equitable public space):
- Approaches used in academic or professional public projects
- Strategies for addressing diverse public needs and cultural contexts
- Employment with organizations that enhance the public realm
- Relevant volunteer work
- An original or distinct perspective on designing equitable urban public space (described in the essay and supported by recommendation letters)
- Innovative techniques for public participation shown in work samples

Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed using the following weightings:
- Response to the essay question: 40%
- Creativity in design approach: 30%
- Quality of writing: 20%
- Documented volunteer efforts: 10%

How to Apply
Follow the General Application Guidelines for instructions on using the online application portal. All materials must meet the stated requirements and be submitted by the deadline; late or extra materials will not be reviewed.

Required Application Materials
All applicants must submit the items below. (The Landscape Architecture Foundation’s—LAF’s—scholarship/fellowship submission requirements apply; see the General Application Guidelines for system details.)

1) General Submission Form
Complete the online form with your contact details and degree program information.

2) Photo
- Provide a color headshot as a JPG at least 1800 x 1200 pixels (horizontal orientation).
- The photo should be well‑lit, feature a simple background, and include head and shoulders.
- LAF reserves the right to use submitted photos on its website and in promotional materials.

3) Bio for LAF Website (150 words max)
Upload a short bio (PDF, DOC/DOCX, or TXT) of no more than 150 words describing your background, current studies, future goals, and any personal interests.

4) Resume / CV (2 pages max)
Upload a PDF including education, professional experience, extracurricular activities, and honors/awards. Put Applicant Name / Resume / Scholarship Name and page numbers on each page.

Additional Scholarship‑Specific Requirements

5) Proof of Residency or High School within ASLA‑NY Boundary (required only if you do NOT attend a university within the ASLA‑NY Chapter boundary)
Upload a PDF or JPG of one of the following: current NY driver’s license or ID card, high school diploma or transcript, a signed letter from a school administrator, college enrollment documents, or other documentation demonstrating permanent residency or graduation from a high school inside the ASLA‑NY boundary.

6) Two Letters of Recommendation
Provide email addresses for two recommenders; the system will send them submission instructions. Letters should speak to the applicant’s commitment to equitable public‑realm design.

7) Essay (1 page max; 300 words or less)
Upload a PDF essay (no more than one page; 300 words maximum). Explain your interest in equitable public space design and how you intend to improve cities so they are fairer and better places to live, work, and play. Formatting requirements: minimum 1" margins, 10‑point or larger font, no images/graphics. Include Applicant Name / Essay / Scholarship Name and page numbers on each page.

8) Work Samples (3 pages max)
Upload one PDF containing up to three 8.5" x 11" work sample pages. Each sample should include explanatory text describing the project; if the work was done as part of a group, state that and clearly describe your individual role. Include Applicant Name / Work Samples / Scholarship Name and page numbers on each page.

Reminder: All submissions must conform to the stated formatting and file requirements and be submitted by the application deadline. Materials that do not follow the guidelines or arrive after the deadline will not be considered.