An opportunity for incoming UMass & Stockbridge students
Deadline: May 15

PURPOSE

Trees are one of our most valuable natural resources and caring for them is essential to our environment. A career in professional tree care offers an unique opportunity to be an environmental steward - to possess the critical knowledge that helps our urban forests stay healthy and flourish.

Professional tree care is a booming industry in Massachusetts. Instructors at UMass and the Stockbridge School of Agriculture report 100% job placement for graduates - one of the highest percentages at the university. The industry offers a challenging career with good salaries, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.

The most critical issues facing the Massachusetts tree care industry today is an ongoing need for well-trained arborists. To that end, the Massachusetts Arborists Association (MAA) created four annual scholarships to help recruit and educate commercial arborists at the University of Massachusetts and the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. Approved candidates who successfully complete their first semester of study with a GPA of 2.0 or better will be awarded a $2500.00 scholarship. There are four MAA $2500.00 scholarships available per calendar year.

The MAA's scholarship is named for Gordon King, an enthusiastic, well-loved, and now retired professor of arboriculture who taught at UMass for over 25 years - and his wife, Frances, whose care and support of her husband's arboriculture students earned her the endearing nickname of "Ma" King.

The MAA is an active and involved trade association that serves the commercial arboriculture industry. We advance the goals of our members through education, research support, certification and promotion of the value of proper tree care to the public. Membership in the MAA includes over 650 of the state's leading arborists.

The MAA considers student scholarships the most important commitment the arboriculture community can make to ensure the growth and development of the commercial tree care industry.

MASSACHUSETTS ARBORISTS ASSOCIATION
Gordon & Frances King Scholarship
Deadline: May 15

ELIGIBILITY

1. Applicant must be an incoming student enrolling full-time in the four-year Urban Forestry program at UMass,or in the two-year Arboriculture and Park Management program at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture.
2. Approved applicant must successfully complete his/her first semester work with a grade point average of 2.0, or better, based on a scale of 4.0.
3. Preference will be given to residents of Massachusetts who plan to work in the Massachusetts commercial tree care industry. Preference will also be given to an applicant who demonstrates financial need.
4. Previous MAA scholarship award winners are not eligible for additional funding.

For more information:

Massachusetts Arborists Association
King Scholarship Committee
8-D Pleasant Street
South Natick, MA 01760
(508) 653-3320
FAX: (508) 653-4112
E-Mail: info@massarbor.org
http://www.MassArbor.org

MASSACHUSETTS ARBORISTS ASSOCIATION
Gordon & Frances King Scholarship
Deadline: May 15
Application Form

Student's Name___________________________________Date________________

Student's Campus Address______________________________________________

City________________________State_________Zip____________________

Campus Phone____________________Home Phone___________________________

Fax_____________________E-Mail_________________________________________

Social Security Number__________________________________________________

Student's Home or Permanent Address______________________________________

City_____________________________State__________Zip____________________

Intended Major:________________________________________________________

____ University of Massachusetts ____ Stockbridge School of Agriculture

Are you presently receiving any financial aid (including scholarships)? ____ Yes ____ No

If yes, what kind and amount?________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

What percentage of educational expenses (i.e. tuition, board, etc. ) are you currently providing?______%

In addition to this application, candidate must also provide the following:

1. Cover letter of not more than two pages which should include:
   1. Experiences or factors that stimulate your interest in the tree care industry
   2. Employment history and personal accomplishments
   3. Your plans after graduation
   4. How the scholarship will benefit your education and career goals
2. Two letters of recommendation from faculty member, high school guidance teacher, current or past employer. Letters must be sent directly to the MAA by person providing reference, under separate cover. Reference forms are provided.
3. If approved, official transcript of first semester grades from Registrar's Office, when available.

MAA's King Scholarship o 8-D Pleasant Street o South Natick, MA 01760

MASSACHUSETTS ARBORIST ASSOCIATION
Gordon & Frances King Scholarship
Deadline: May 15

Reference Form

This form is to be completed by person (faculty member, employer, guidance counselor) who is serving as a reference for student's application to receive the MAA's $2500.00 Gordon & Frances King Scholarship award. Please complete the following and attach a separate sheet commenting on:

• The applicant's potential to make significant contributions to the Massachusetts
  commercial tree care industry
• The applicant's academic qualifications, if known
  
• The applicant's work experience, if known
  
• The applicant's financial need, if known

Date______________________________________________________________

Student's Name_____________________________________________________

Your Name_________________________________________________________

Company/Institution___________________________________________________

Address____________________________________________________________

City________________________________ State___________ Zip____________

Phone______________________________ Fax___________________________

Relationship to Applicant: _____ Teacher/Instructor
_____ Guidance Counselor
_____ Employer (current or past)
_____ Other (please specify) __________________
_________________________________________

Please return completed form and letter of recommendation to:

MAA's King Scholarship o 8-D Pleasant Street o South Natick, MA 01760