Scholarships

Larry Hall Memorial Scholarship

The Illinois Arborist Association (IAA) is proud to offer scholarships through the Larry Hall Memorial Endowment, in partnership with the TREE Fund. This scholarship honors the legacy of Larry Hall by supporting the next generation of arborists and advancing education in arboriculture and urban forestry.

Scholarship Details

Total Award: $5,000
Payment Structure: Distributed in two installments (fall and spring semesters)
Eligibility for Second Payment: Recipient must be re-enrolled and meet GPA requirements
Additional Allowance: Up to $500 may be used for books, supplies, or equipment
Renewal: Non-renewable; applicants may reapply each year

Who Should Apply

This scholarship is designed for students pursuing careers in:

Arboriculture
Urban forestry
Horticulture or related fields

Applicants Must

Be a high school senior planning to attend a 2-year or 4-year college, university, or trade school
OR a returning college student pursuing their first associate’s or bachelor’s degree
Be enrolled in an accredited U.S. college, university, or trade school
Be actively pursuing a career in arboriculture or a related field
Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
Be a member of the Illinois Arborist Association (student memberships accepted)

Our Commitment

Through the Larry Hall Memorial Endowment, IAA is committed to investing in education, professional development, and the long-term growth of the arboriculture industry. This scholarship reflects our mission to support individuals who are passionate about tree care and the stewardship of our urban forests.

More Info & How to Apply

Applications are administered through the TREE Fund. For full eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application instructions, please click the button below.

Larry Hall Memorial Scholarship

IPSI Scholarship

The Illinois Public Service Institute (IPSI) is a premier leadership development program designed specifically for public service professionals. The program consists of three one-week sessions completed over a three-year period, with each session focusing on leadership development, service excellence, communication, and supervisory skills.

For arborists and urban forestry professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership abilities and expand their impact within their organizations and communities, IPSI offers a unique opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.

As part of its commitment to education and professional development, the Illinois Arborist Association (IAA) offers a $500 IPSI Scholarship to help offset the cost of attending one year of the program.

Eligibility

Because IPSI is a three-year commitment, applicants must already be accepted into and actively participating in the IPSI program before applying for an IAA scholarship. The scholarship is intended to support participants who have demonstrated their commitment to completing the program and advancing their leadership skills.

Applicants must:

Be enrolled in the Illinois Public Service Institute (IPSI)
Be in good standing within the program
Be a member of the Illinois Arborist Association
Demonstrate how the program will contribute to their professional growth and leadership development

Scholarship Award

$500 scholarship award
Applicable toward participation in a spring or fall IPSI session
Limited scholarships available annually

Application Requirements

Applicants are asked to submit a brief written statement addressing the following:

What are your career goals?
How will IPSI help you achieve those goals?
Why is support from the Illinois Arborist Association important in helping you pursue this opportunity?

Recipient Requirements

Scholarship recipients agree to share their experience with fellow IAA members by submitting a short article for publication in the Illinois Arborist Association newsletter. The article should describe: