Albert James Shoosmith Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association

## Overview of the Albert James (Bert) Shoosmith Scholarship Program
**Established and managed by VNLA**
The Bert Shoosmith Scholarship was created in 2003 by the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association to support students pursuing their first undergraduate degree. The program is intended to offset education costs for students in both four-year and two-year programs. Award quantities and values are predefined and distributed annually to qualifying recipients.

Key takeaways
- Founded in 2003 by the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association (VNLA).
- Supports students working toward their first undergraduate degree.
- Awards are distributed each academic year to multiple recipients.

## Awards and amounts
**Scholarship values**
VNLA will award two or more $1,500 scholarships to students enrolled in a college or university for the next academic year and two or more $750 scholarships to students enrolled in a two-year community college program. The number of recipients is at least two per category but may be more, depending on VNLA decisions. Specific award totals per student are fixed as shown.

Key takeaways
- At least two $1,500 scholarships for four-year college/university students.
- At least two $750 scholarships for two-year community college students.
- Number of awards may exceed the minimum but amounts per award are fixed.

## Eligibility
**Who may apply**
The scholarship is intended for students working toward their first undergraduate degree. Applicants must be enrolled (or planning to enroll) in an eligible college, university, or two-year community college program for the upcoming academic year. Verify your program type before applying to ensure you meet this eligibility requirement.

Key takeaways
- Open only to students pursuing their first undergraduate degree.
- Applicable to both four-year and two-year community college students.
- Enrollment for the next academic year is required.

## Application responsibilities and deadlines
**Applicant’s responsibility**
Applicants are responsible for ensuring all application materials are received by the VNLA scholarship administrator by the stated May deadline; VNLA is not responsible for lost or misdirected mail. All materials must be submitted in time to meet VNLA’s deadlines for consideration. Follow submission instructions carefully to avoid disqualification for late or missing materials.

Key takeaways
- All materials must reach the VNLA scholarship administrator by the May deadline.
- Applicants bear responsibility for timely delivery of materials.
- VNLA will not assume responsibility for lost or misdirected mail.

## Required application materials
**Documents to submit**
Applicants must provide an official high school or college transcript for the most recently completed semester. Transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing school to the VNLA scholarship administrator in a sealed, stamped envelope and must be received before April 15 to qualify. In addition, submit an original plus two (2) copies of the completed Bert Shoosmith Scholarship application and a typed essay (see essay guidelines for content limits).

Key takeaways
- Submit an official transcript for the most recent semester, sent directly from the school.
- Transcripts must arrive in a sealed, stamped envelope and be received by April 15.
- Provide an original plus two copies of the completed application and the essay.

## Essay guidelines
**Content and length**
The essay must be typed, double-spaced, and limited to a maximum of 500 words. In your essay, describe why the VNLA scholarship matters to you, noting any special challenges, academic or career goals, and other financial responsibilities or expenses. Use clear, concise language to explain how this award would support your educational progress.

Key takeaways
- Essay maximum: 500 words; typed and double-spaced.
- Explain why the scholarship is important to you and cite challenges or goals.
- Describe other financial obligations or expenses that affect your need.

## Selection criteria
**How applications are evaluated**
Applications will be assessed on scholastic achievement and the strength of the curriculum, plus school activities, volunteer service, hours devoted to work, honors and awards, demonstrated financial need, and the quality of the essay. The Scholarship Committee evaluates the whole application package to identify candidates who best meet these combined criteria. Strong, well-documented examples in each area improve competitiveness.

Key takeaways
- Evaluation factors include academics, curriculum strength, and extracurriculars.
- Volunteer service, work hours, honors, and demonstrated need are considered.
- Essay quality influences the overall evaluation.

## Awarding process and payment
**Decision authority and disbursement**
Scholarship decisions are made by the VNLA Scholarship Committee in conjunction with the VNLA Executive Director; all decisions are final. Applicants will be notified of outcomes by mail. Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the recipient’s school and will not exceed the education costs billed by that institution.

Key takeaways
- Decisions made by the VNLA Scholarship Committee and Executive Director.
- Notifications are sent by mail; decisions are final.
- Payments are issued to the school and cannot exceed the billed educational costs.