LAF Honor Scholarship for Inclusive Community Design
Scholarship Sponsored by Landscape Architecture Foundation
Introduction
The LAF Honor Scholarship was created in 2018 through the generosity of Patrick Phillips, a leader in thoughtful land use, landscape design, and community transformation. Trained as a landscape architect, Patrick led the Urban Land Institute (ULI) as its Global CEO from 2009 to 2018 and also served as president of the ULI Foundation. With more than three decades of experience in real estate and land-use economics, he champions the unique role landscape architects play in shaping safe, healthy, economically vibrant, and beautiful cities and neighborhoods.
Who is eligible
- Students enrolled in a master’s degree program accredited by LAAB or LAAC at a university in the United States or Canada.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to underserved urban communities and to addressing community-scale design challenges.
- Preference will be given to those intending to pursue careers in the nonprofit or public sectors.
How candidates are evaluated
Applicants will be assessed on academic achievement and demonstrated leadership or commitment to inclusive community design. Financial need will be taken into account as part of the selection process.
How to apply
Follow the General Application Guidelines for instructions on the online application portal. Submissions must comply with all stated guidelines and be received by the published deadlines to be considered. Supplemental materials beyond those requested will not be reviewed.
Required application materials
All applicants for LAF scholarships must submit the items below.
- General Submission Form
Complete the online form with your contact details and information about your degree program.
- Photo
Upload a horizontal color headshot (jpg) at least 1800 x 1200 pixels. The image should be well-lit, show your full head and shoulders, and use a simple background. LAF reserves the right to use submitted photos on its website and in scholarship-related materials.
- Bio for the LAF website (150 words max)
Provide a brief biography in PDF, Word, or TXT format (no more than 150 words) describing your background, current studies, career goals, and relevant personal interests or activities.
- Resume/CV (2 pages maximum)
Submit a PDF of your resume or CV (maximum two pages) listing education, professional experience, extracurricular activities, and honors/awards. Add the following to each page header or footer: Applicant Name / Resume / Scholarship Name, plus page numbers.
Additional materials required for this scholarship
- Financial Aid Form
Complete the online financial aid form detailing your financial circumstances and any assistance you currently receive.
- Two Letters of Recommendation
Provide the email addresses for two recommenders; they will receive instructions and submission links. Recommenders should speak specifically to your exemplary qualities and your commitment to working with underserved urban communities and addressing community-scale design issues.
- Essay (2 pages maximum; 800 words or less)
Upload an original essay as a PDF. In 800 words or less, describe your academic and professional objectives and explain your commitment and/or leadership in working with underserved urban communities and addressing community-scale design issues. Formatting requirements: maximum two pages, 1" margins, 10-point or larger font, no images or graphics. Include on each page: Applicant Name / Essay / Scholarship Name and page numbers.
Note: Ensure every required item follows the specified format and naming conventions. Applications that do not meet the stated requirements or that arrive after the deadline will not be considered.