LARRY POWELL SCHOLARSHIP

Applications are now closed

The Larry Powell Scholarship benefits individual members of GCSAA, or those interested in becoming members, who represent underserved populations. Scholarship preference will be given to needs-based applicants with consideration for demonstrated leadership skills and community engagement. The purpose of this scholarship helps fund and ensure talented underrepresented demographic golf course management individuals achieve their dream of pursuing or furthering their careers.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be a GCSAA member in good standing or demonstrate the desire to become one.
• Applicants shall be from an underrepresented demographic such as: Black or African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/ Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, and others as determined by the committee. Priority shall be given to applicants representing the Black or African American community.
• Applicants must be planning a career or continued education or certification in an accredited golf course management area of study.
• Children of those employed by the GCSAA Foundation Board of Trustees, the GCSAA Board of Directors, and GCSAA staff are not eligible for this program.
• Previous recipients are not eligible to apply for a second award.

The applicants will be evaluated based on a combination of demonstrated financial need, current employment status, and the quality and content of the scholarship questions.

Application

The Larry Powell Scholarship Applications will be open Dec. 1- Dec. 23, 2022. The GCSAA Foundation will notify winners by Jan. 9, 2023.

For more information contact Katie Lomshek, scholarships and programs manager, GCSAA Foundation, at 800-472-7878, ext. 3624.

Criteria for Selection

• The applicants will be evaluated based on a combination of demonstrated financial need, current employment status, and the quality and content of the scholarship questions.
• In addition, the student must ask for a letter of recommendation to be completed by a superintendent, academic advisor or employer.
• The Letter of Recommendation is required for each application and should be submitted by Dec. 23, 2022.

This application is open to GCSAA members and non-members. However, you will have to log in to apply. The login will be the same login you use for gcsaa.org. If you don't have a login, go here to get started.

The history

Larry Powell began mowing fairways at Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio, when he was 8 years old. The course, built by his father, the late Bill Powell, is the only facility in Ohio that has been designed, built, owned and operated by an African American. It became a family affair as Bill passed his knowledge and work ethics to his children who now run the facility and honor their father’s vision of providing inclusive golf experiences on their 130-acre course. Bill and Larry are the only African American father-son members of GCSAA. Larry is a long-time member, having served on the organization’s diversity task group for five years. He was inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame during its 30th anniversary, and in 2019, the Powell family was honored with GCSAA’s Old Tom Morris Award. Larry is often referred to as hard-working, innovative, and humble.

To honor his legacy, GCSAA Past President Mark F. Jordan, CGCS, and the GCSAA Foundation have established the Lawrence “Larry” Powell Scholarship fund. It shall honor Larry Powell and the Powell family, recognizing their accomplishments not only in golf but also for the impact he has had serving as a leader to underrepresented communities.