––––– About –––––

VNLA Scholarship Opportunities:

The VNLA is proud to offer several scholarships to students honoring prominent industry leaders. Please continue to read below for more information on how to apply for the following scholarship opportunities. For more information, please contact the VNLA office via (804) 256-2700 or email info@vnla.org.

David E Laird Memorial Scholarship 

The David E. Laird Memorial Scholarship is a scholarship in the amount of $1500. Contact VA Tech Horticulture Dept. for more information on how to apply.

A.S. Gresham, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

A.S. Gresham, Jr. Memorial Scholarship is a scholarship in the amount of $1,500. Contact VA Tech Horticulture Dept. for more information on how to apply.

Albert James (Bert) Shoosmith Scholarship Program

About the Shoosmith Scholarship Application

Albert James (Bert) Shoosmith Scholarship Program was established by Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association in 2003 to help students working toward their first undergraduate degree. VNLA will award scholarships of $1,500 to two or more students enrolled in a college or university for the next academic year and two or more scholarships of $750 to students enrolled in 2-year community college program. The scholarship may not exceed the costs of education billed by the school. Scholarship money will be paid directly to the school.

Requirements for Application

It is the applicant’s responsibility to see that all information, including transcripts, is received by the VNLA scholarship administrator by the April 15 deadline. VNLA will not be responsible for lost or misdirected mail.

Applicant must submit:

1. An OFFICIAL high school or college transcript for the most recently completed semester. Transcripts must be received by the VNLA scholarship administrator directly from the school in a sealed stamped envelope BEFORE the April 15deadline.
2. An original plus two (2) copies of the following:
   1. Completed Bert Shoosmith Scholarship application (included below).
   2. Typed, double-spaced essay.

 Essay may be a maximum of 500 words:

Describe why this VNLA scholarship is important to you. Include any special challenges or goals you may have. Explain other financial responsibilities or expenses.

Selection Criteria: Applicants will be evaluated on scholastic achievement and strength of curriculum, school activities, volunteer service, hours devoted to work, honors and awards, student need and the essay.

Awarding of Scholarships: Decisions are made by the VNLA Public Relations Director in conjunction with the VNLA Executive Director and Education Director. All decisions will be final. Applicants will be notified by mail.

All applications and transcripts must be received by April 15.

Return to: VNLA Scholarship Administrator

9702 Gayton Road | Box 163

Henrico, VA 23238

Download an application here. (Deadline: April 15)

C.W. Bryant Scholarship

CW Bryant Scholarship Background

Colis Whitfield Bryant, Sr., known as “C.W.,” dedicated his life to the nursery industry in the Central Atlantic area. Starting his career in 1964, he became a respected independent sales representative, known for his warm personality and commitment to mutual success. Beyond his professional contributions, C.W. was deeply involved in community organizations, serving on the Board of Directors for the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show and actively participating in various Virginia nursery groups. His legacy lives on through the Colis Whitfield Bryant, Sr. Scholarship, honoring his impactful and multifaceted contributions.

The first scholarship was awarded in 2014 and has become a pillar of VNLA since. VNLA will award one scholarship of $750 to students enrolled in a college or university for the next academic year. The scholarship may not exceed the costs of education billed by the school. Scholarship money will be paid directly to the school.

Requirements for Application

It is the applicant’s responsibility to see that all information, including transcripts, is received by the VNLA scholarship administrator by the April 15 deadline. VNLA will not be responsible for lost or misdirected mail.

Applicant must submit:

1. An OFFICIAL high school or college transcript for the most recently completed semester. Transcripts must be received by the VNLA scholarship administrator directly from the school in a sealed stamped envelope BEFORE the April 15 deadline.
2. An original plus two (2) copies of the following:
   1. Completed Bert Shoosmith Scholarship application (included below).
   2. Typed, double-spaced essay.

 Essay may be a maximum of 500 words:

Describe why this VNLA scholarship is important to you. Include any special challenges or goals you may have. Explain other financial responsibilities or expenses.

Selection Criteria: Applicants will be evaluated on scholastic achievement and strength of curriculum, school activities, volunteer service, hours devoted to work, honors and awards, student need and the essay.

Awarding of Scholarships: Decisions are made by the VNLA Public Relations Director in conjunction with the VNLA Executive Director and Education Director. All decisions will be final. Applicants will be notified by mail.

All applications and transcripts must be received by April 15.

Return to: VNLA Scholarship Administrator

9702 Gayton Road | Box 163

Henrico, VA 23238

Download an application here. (Deadline: April 15)

Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund

This year, the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund expects to award approximately sixteen $1,500 scholarships. If you know of a deserving student, please pass this on.

The Fund awards academic scholarships to students in sixteen southeastern states – Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia – pursuing a career in horticulture.

Deadline for application is May 29. Selections will be made by July 1 and awards made by early August.

For more information, eligibility requirements or a scholarship application, visit www.sbmsef.org .