Olmsted Scholarship

The Olmsted Scholars Program is for landscape architecture students. The program recognizes one outstanding student from each LAAB-accredited landscape architecture program, along with the jury-selected national award winner and finalists. Students do not apply directly.

Step 1: Nominations from Faculty

Each LAAB-accredited landscape architecture program may nominate one student to be the school’s University Olmsted Scholar and compete for the national award. Eligible students are graduate students or undergraduates currently in their fourth or fifth year who have made a commitment to the landscape architecture profession. To nominate a student, a faculty member must e-mail a completed Nomination Form to scholarships@lafoundation.org from his/her university account. By submitting this form the department chair attests that the faculty as a whole supports the nomination.

Step 2: Full Submissions from Faculty/Nominees

LAF must receive a complete Nominee Submission Packet by the designated deadline in order for the nominee to be eligible for the Olmsted Scholar award and recognition. This packet includes items to be completed by the nominating faculty and the nominee. All nominees with complete submissions will be recognized as University Olmsted Scholars.

Step 3: Selection by Jury

The National Olmsted Scholar and 4-5 Finalists are selected by an independent jury of leaders in the landscape architecture profession. Criteria for selection include the candidate¿s leadership potential in (1) the advancement of sustainable planning and design, and (2) fostering human and societal benefits, as assessed through the candidate’s demonstration of:

* leadership and vision

* engagement with current issues

* critical thinking

* communication skill

* personal characteristics and values