Sports Turf Manager Association

Any questions may be sent to STMAInfo@stma.org.

In 2000, the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) formed the Foundation for Safer Athletic Field Environments (SAFE). An initial endowment of $100,000 by STMA has enabled SAFE to live its mission: To support sports field specific research, educational programs and environmental concerns to promote user safety.

SAFE annually awards scholarships to students who are planning a career in the sports turf industry. Since its inception, the SAFE Foundation has presented more than $225,000 in scholarships and travel to the STMA Conference and Exhibition to more than 120 students.

Each year, STMA awards three named scholarships: the Dr. James Watson Graduate Scholarship , the Dr. James Watson Undergraduate Scholarship , and the Dr. Fred Grau Scholarship . The Watson Scholarships are named in honor of long-time green industry researcher and consultant Dr. James Watson, are funded by the Toro Giving Program, and are presented to the top graduate and undergraduate scholarship recipients. The top recipient from a two-year program receives the Dr. Fred Grau scholarship, which is named in honor of the first turfgrass extension specialist in the United States.

Students are strongly encouraged to apply for the scholarships. Simply print and complete the application and return it to the SAFE Scholarship Committee. It is also available in a Word document for easy word processing. The applicants are judged on academic preparation, cumulative grade point average, experience in sports turf management, and references provided by student advisers and previous or current employers. They are also evaluated on their contributions to their school, department, and organizations to which they belong, as well as their career objectives. 

Application Procedure:

Download the 2010 SAFE Scholarship Application.  A Microsoft Word version may be found here. 

All applications and materials must be received by no later than October 15 each year (or the preceding Friday if the 15th falls on a weekend). 

All materials must be included in one packet.  This includes letters of support, Faculty Advisor Forms, Employer Reference Forms, and any other documents that you wish to submit with your application. 

FAXES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

All information should be sent directly to STMA:

SAFE Scholarship Program
805 New Hampshire, Ste. E
Lawrence, KS 66044

Each year, the SAFE Scholarship Program is supported through the Toro Giving Program, SAFE-Jacobsen Golf Tournament, proceeds from the SAFE Live and Silent Auctions, and the donations of individuals and corporations.