• Utility Arborist Association  Nelsen Money Memorial 

    Utility Arborist Association Nelsen Money Memorial 

    SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM 2025 APPLICATION FORM OPEN APRIL 1 to MAY 31, 2026
  • The Utility Arborist Nelsen Money Scholarship Program, established by the Utility Arborist Association (UAA), provides financial support for college students and recent college graduates through scholarships to foster a greater appreciation of the utility arboriculture industry.

    Scholarship Opportunities

    Active Students:  $2,500 Award:  Used towards college expenses at an accredited school/organization.

    Must be:

    • Currently enrolled in a major, minor, option or program of utility line clearance, utility vegetation management, arboriculture, forestry, urban forestry, or related field at an accredited college or university. 
    • Returning for the second year of a two-year program or at least the Sophomore year of a four-year program at an accredited college or university
    • Maintain a 3.0 GPA minimum
    • Live in the United States (includes Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico).

    Recent Graduates: $1,200 Award:  Used towards attendance to the Trees & Utilties Annual Conference.

    Must have:

    • Graduated in the last 4 years
    • Maintained at least a 3.0 GPA minimum
    • Live in the United States (includes Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico).

    Submission Guidelines

    • Acknowledgement that you meet the criteria to be considered for a scholarship
    • Essay
    • Transcript(s)
    • 2 Letters of Recommendation

    UAA Student Membership

    Student membership with the Utility Arborist Association is highly recommended. Student memberships are complimentary and as a student member, you’ll receive:

    • Access to the digital UAA Newsline
    • Invitations to webinars and CEU quizzes
    • Connection to a network of industry professionals
    • A library of educational and research resources
    • Discounts on summits, meetings, partner conferences, and more

    If you're interested finding out more information or sign up for a complimentary student membership, click here.

     

  • About You

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  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • The Essay:
    What does the scholarship committee need to know about you in 1,000 words or less?

    • Why you feel that you are the best person to receive this scholarship 
    • Your history in academics and extracurricular
    • Your honors and recognitions
    • Your career goals and objectives

    The essay is limited to no more than 1,000 words. This will be checked so please be aware of your word count. 
    Recommendation: Well-crafted and succinct essays are appreciated.

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  • Transcripts
    You are required to send your transcripts for review:

    • Current students are to send in academic transcripts and your current enrollment verification along with this application. 

    • Students applying for the Trees & Utilties scholarship must send in your last academic transcripts. Note you must have graduated within the last 4 years. 
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  • Letters of Recommendation

    Please attach two (2) reference letters when sending all documents:

    • One letter must be from an advisor or equivalent. 
    • One letter must be from a professional affiliation such as a coach, manager, or mentor. 
    • Letters cannot be from immediate family members.
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  • Award notification and Fund Distrbution  
    Recipients will be notified within two weeks of the award decision. The award letter will include instructions on submitting acceptance information for the scholarship award.

    Upon UAA’s receipt of the acceptance information from the recipient, the first half of the scholarship payment will be made to the institution. The balance of the award will be made after fall semester grades and re-enrollment are confirmed with UAA by recipient.

    Payment of Award: 

    • $2500 Award will be paid directly to the educational institution attended by the recipient. Award may only be applied to tuition expense, and applicants may not request scholarships greater than the anticipated amount of their tuition expense for the academic year in which the scholarship will be paid.

     

    • $1200 Award will be paid directly to the recipient after required documentation has been received post conference for expenses such as registration, hotel, or airfare. 
      • Applicants may not request scholarships greater than expenses incurred.

      • Applicants understand that a short article or video of their experience will be required post conference, that will be showcased within the UAA in various platforms.

    NOTE: a submission number will be visible on the "Thank you" page seen after survey submission below. Please record the submission number as it will be required for application tracking.

     

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