Jim Claxton Memorial Scholarship Applications Open Through May 31

Thanks to VGCSA Cornerstone Partner Synatek for helping share this opportunity with our members and the broader turfgrass community.

The Turf Producers of Maryland is now accepting applications for the 2026 Jim Claxton Memorial Scholarship, supporting students pursuing turfgrass and related fields of study. Named in honor of Jim Claxton, a longtime Newsom Seed sales representative and pioneer in the natural turfgrass industry, the scholarship was recently increased from $500 to $1,500 and may be awarded to multiple students. 

Applicants must:

• Be a current high school senior or enrolled as an undergraduate in a two- or four-year college or university program
• Reside in the Mid-Atlantic region or attend a college or university in the Mid-Atlantic region
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.50

While preference may be given to students studying turfgrass, the scholarship is open to students in other related fields as well. Additional preference may be given to students who live in or attend school in Maryland or one of its adjoining states.

Applications must be submitted by midnight on May 31.

For full details and to apply, visit: https://turfproducersofmd.com/scholarship