Wisconsin Arborist Association Arboriculture Scholarships
Offered by Wisconsin Arborist Association (ISA Wisconsin Chapter)
About This Scholarship
The Wisconsin Arborist Association, the Wisconsin chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, funds four scholarships for students training for careers in tree care, urban forestry, and the wider green industry. Winners are recognized at the WAA/DNR Annual Conference and Trade Show, which for the 2027 cycle takes place in Green Bay in February 2027.
Three $2,500 awards are split by program type: one for a graduate student, one for an undergraduate in a four-year program (the Robert W. Miller Undergraduate Student Scholarship), and one for a technical college student. All three require enrollment in an arboriculture or green industry program in Wisconsin. The fourth, the $3,000 Mark Drow Memorial Scholarship, is aimed at prospective or current students who might not be able to start college without financial help, and the association encourages high school seniors to apply for it.
One short online form covers all four awards. The main piece of work is a personal essay of up to 1,000 words about your chosen career path, why you are pursuing it, your goals, and why you should be selected.
Eligibility
- Graduate, undergraduate, and technical college awards: currently enrolled in an arboriculture or other green industry program at a Wisconsin school
- Must have at least one semester of school remaining as of December 31, 2026 (graduate, undergraduate, and technical college awards)
- Mark Drow Memorial Scholarship: prospective or current student enrolling in an arboriculture or related program; high school seniors encouraged; intended for students with limited financial resources
How To Apply
- Choose the award that matches your program (graduate, four-year undergraduate, technical college, or Mark Drow Memorial)
- Collect your GPA, credits earned, faculty advisor, and planned graduation date, plus your work history, activities, and prior awards
- Line up three references and have their titles and contact details ready
- Write a personal essay of no more than 1,000 words on your career path, goals, and why you should be chosen
- Submit the online application form linked from the WAA scholarships page by December 31, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be studying in Wisconsin?
For the graduate, undergraduate, and technical college scholarships, yes. You must be enrolled in an arboriculture or green industry program in Wisconsin. The Mark Drow Memorial Scholarship description does not state a Wisconsin school requirement, so check the criteria PDF linked on the WAA page.
Can high school seniors apply?
Yes, for the $3,000 Mark Drow Memorial Scholarship. The association specifically encourages high school seniors who plan to enroll in an arboriculture or related program.
Do I need recommendation letters?
The online form asks for contact information for three references rather than uploaded letters.