Scholarship Program
If you are interested in applying for a SAFE Scholarship, please download the 2011 SAFE Scholarship Application. A Microsoft Word version may be found here.
If you are interested in applying for the Terry Mellor Continuing Education Grant, sponsored by Turface Athletics, please download the form. Read more about the grant here.
Any questions may be sent to STMAInfo@stma.org.
The Gary Vanden Berg Internship grant deadline has been extended to Fri., Oct. 28.
If you would like to apply for the Gary Vanden Berg Internship Grant, complete this form. Click here for more information on this grant.
About the SAFE Scholarship Program
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 aWord 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 2011 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.
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.
Terry Mellor Continuing Education Grant
The SAFE Foundation will award the Terry Mellor Continuing Education Grant, sponsored by Turface Athletics again this year. This $1,000 grant is intended to fund a portion of the winner’s attendance at the STMA Conference in January. All members of an STMA affiliated chapter are eligible to win, and must be nominated through a letter of recommendation by a National STMA Member.
The deadline to apply for the Terry Mellor Continuing Education Grant will be November 15. STMA will provide a complimentary conference registration to the winner, and the winner will be recognized at the Association’s annual Awards Banquet held at the conference.
The STMA Scholarship Committee, who judges the SAFE Scholarship winners each year, will be involved in the selection of winner. Click here to download the nomination form. This form includes the criteria for eligibility and guidance for writing your nomination.
If you have any questions, please contact STMA headquarters at 800-323-3875.
STMA would like to thank Turface Athletics for their support of the Terry Mellor Continuing Education Grant.
Previous Winners of the Terry Mellor Continuing Education Grant
2010 - Kevin Fernandez - White Bear Lake School District - White Bear Lake, MN
2009 - Eddie Atherton - City of Owensboro - Owensboro, KY
