Scholarship Application
Applications are due by 11:59 PM on Friday, June 26th, 2026.
Eligibility Requirements:
Only open to GCSANJ members, their spouse, children, and/or grandchildren pursuing a post-high school degree or certificate. Students enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited trade school, 2-year college/university, 4-year college/university, or graduate degree program are eligible to apply.
Each applicant will be evaluated on the following criteria:
• Prior Academic Performance
• Extra-Curricular Activities
• Letters of Recommendation
• Essay Answers
Again, this year, the GCSANJ Foundation will use a scoring system emphasizing the applicant’s answers to the essay questions. Please take time to answer each question thoughtfully and thoroughly. Also, applicants will be scored against other applicants at the same education level for a top prize in each category. (ie. HS seniors are scored against other HS seniors applying. College undergrad students are scored with other college undergrad students, etc.) The scoring committee is comprised of current and past golf course superintendents, PhDs, and industry professionals.
Available Scholarships
• John Anderson Scholarship for the top college undergrad applicant - $2,500
• Ed Casey Scholarship for the top high school senior applicant - $2,500
• Jim McNally Scholarship for the top college graduate student applicant -$2,500
• John Farrell Scholarship for the top trade school applicant - $2,000
• The GCSANJ Presidents Scholarship and The GCSANJ Foundation Scholarships – numerous available and will be awarded across all categories based on final application scores.
• Additional $500 scholarship to the TOP OVERALL SCORE across all categories.
When providing transcript information, please provide at least the three most recent semesters that the applicant has completed.
A minimum of two letters of recommendation from current or past employers, teachers, and/or advisors is required. Only one personal letter of recommendation may be submitted. Please do not repeat letters of recommendation from past applications; they will not be accepted.
Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Prohibited for Essay Submissions
All essays submitted as part of this scholarship application must be the original work of the applicant. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools (such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or similar platforms) to write or significantly revise essays is strictly prohibited. Essays found to be generated or heavily influenced by AI will result in immediate disqualification of the applicant.
Bonus Points: Available to any applicant pursuing any degree in Turfgrass Science. Please download the “Turf Student Recommendation Form” and have it completed by your advisor/teacher and emailed to [email protected]. Failure to complete this section will result in the applicant not receiving bonus points for being a turf student. The form is linked below.
To Apply: Complete the application below and email the transcript information and letters of recommendation to [email protected] or mail them to (postmarked by the application deadline):
GCSANJ Foundation Scholarship
PO Box 301
Pluckemin, NJ 07978
For Assistance: Contact Maureen Sharples at GCSANJ Headquarters – (973) 812-0710 or [email protected].
