When I’m not on the road, my mornings follow a pretty steady routine. I usually start the day early, heading down to my office to get a head start on work. After a while, my daughter wakes up, and the next part of the morning is a mix of getting her ready for school while I try to wrap up a couple of items as she eats breakfast and watches cartoons, lately, it’s been the 2018 version of The Grinch. Then we head out for the short trip to her preschool just a couple of miles away.

On a recent morning, during that quick 10-minute roundtrip, my inbox lit up with two emails from chapters sharing information about scholarship opportunities available to members. It’s clear that scholarship season is in full swing for many GCSAA chapters across the country.

The two emails I recently received certainly don’t represent every opportunity available to members, but they do highlight the variety and purpose behind these programs.

The first message came from the Kentuckiana GCSA, announcing their scholarship to attend the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando. According to the chapter, this opportunity is open to superintendents, assistant superintendents and equipment managers who are members in good standing with the KGCSA. The scholarship provides some great flexibility in how the funds can be used, including:

• GCSAA Conference & Trade Show registration
• Educational classes
• Travel and lodging
• Even a round of golf at the GCSAA Golf Tournament

The second email was from the Central Illinois GCSA, inviting members to apply for the James W. Brandt Scholarship Award. This scholarship offers financial assistance to the children, grandchildren and dependents of CIGCSA members enrolled in an accredited institution of higher learning. The award honors the late James Brandt, CGCS, a past president and charter member of the CIGCSA, past president of the Illinois Turfgrass Foundation and Midwest Regional Turfgrass Foundation, and past president of the GCSAA in 1968. Over the years, this scholarship has supported many students pursuing their educational goals.

These are just two examples of the meaningful scholarships available at the chapter level. Nearly every chapter offers similar opportunities, whether for dependents pursuing higher education or for members continuing their own professional development.

Beyond the chapters, GCSAA also offers national-level scholarships for members and their families. These programs, such as the GCSAA Legacy Awards, and Par Aide Garske Grants, both of which open in the spring, further demonstrate the opportunities available to GCSAA and local chapter members.

It’s truly inspiring to see how chapters continue to invest in members and the next generation of leaders. Make sure you take advantage of the opportunities available!