Pennsylvania Land Surveyors' Foundation Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Pennsylvania Land Surveyors' Foundation Inc.

Introduction
The Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors (PSLS) is a statewide professional association dedicated to advancing the land surveying profession, supporting its members, and improving surveying practice. PSLS emphasizes continuing education, participation in legislative matters, increasing public understanding of surveying, and promoting ethical standards within the profession.

2026–2027 Scholarship Cycle
The 2026–2027 scholarship application period is scheduled to open on or about March 1, 2026. Application and evaluator recommendation forms will be made available online when the cycle begins.

Award Amounts and Purpose
Multiple scholarships will be awarded. Total award amounts are paid directly to recipients; payments will be made in two installments. The program’s purpose is to encourage and strengthen the surveying profession in Pennsylvania by providing financial assistance to individuals who are accepted to, or currently enrolled in, surveying-related programs with the ultimate aim of becoming practicing Professional Land Surveyors.

Payment Schedule
Scholarship funds are issued in two parts: the first installment will be distributed by early fall of the award year, and the second installment at the start of the following calendar year. Release of each installment is contingent upon the recipient’s continued enrollment in an approved two-year Surveying Technology program or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Surveying program.

Selection and Notification
Recipients are selected by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Decisions are based on academic and personal achievements, the quality and content of application responses, writing mechanics and presentation, and the advisor’s evaluation. Award announcements will be made each July. The Foundation does not discriminate in its selection process on the basis of age, race, religion, sex, ancestry, or national origin.

Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. citizenship and residency within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are required.
- Applicants must be accepted into or currently enrolled in either a two-year Surveying Technology program or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Land Surveying program.
- Applicants must submit copies of SAT scores (for high school applicants) and high school or college transcripts, accompanied by a completed transcript release form obtained from a school guidance office or college registrar.

Evaluation Criteria (100 points total)
1. Academic Record — up to 30 points
- High school seniors: rated on SAT scores (verbal up to 15 points; math up to 15 points).
- College students: evaluated on cumulative GPA at the time of application.

2. Activities — up to 20 points
- Assessment of extracurricular activities, honors, employment, leadership roles, and other distinguishing qualifications.

3. Personal Statement — up to 30 points
- Evaluated for substance, clarity of career aspirations and goals, organization, grammar, spelling, and overall neatness.

4. References and Evaluator Recommendation Form — up to 20 points
- Applicants must submit three character references from non-family members.
- An objective evaluation of academics and character must be provided by the student’s guidance counselor or academic advisor using the “Evaluator Scholarship Recommendation Form.” This evaluator form must be mailed separately from the student’s application.

If you need the application checklist or a copy of the forms once they are posted, I can help you locate them when the 2026–2027 cycle opens.