Unilock founder Ed Bryant made his mark when he first established a paver manufacturing site in North America in 1972, bringing a passionate, collaborative and innovative spirit that helped kick-start the hardscapes industry. Today, Unilock wants to help the next generation of landscaping leaders follow their dreams and make their mark with its Paving the Future Scholarship.
“We introduced the Paving the Future Scholarship in 2022 to commemorate our 50th anniversary and pay homage to Ed Bryant, who founded Unilock in 1972,” says Diane Williams, vice president of Marketing at Unilock. “In our inaugural year of this scholarship, we received an overwhelming response from students studying at colleges and universities such as Michigan State University, Purdue University and Rutgers University in the U.S. and Algonquin College, Fanshawe College and the University of Guelph in Canada. Because of this amazing interest, we are excited to continue our scholarship program in 2023 – and beyond.”
Anaya Marshall was one such student who received an inaugural Paving the Future Scholarship in 2022, using the scholarship to put her one step closer to her goal of making waves and becoming the change she wants to see for the hardscape industry.
“The award meant a lot, especially as a woman of color, due to our being the most underrepresented in the field,” says Marshall, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at Ball State University, Muncie, Ind. “With the support of Unilock through this scholarship, I was able to finish off the academic year strong and start to establish myself to further my career!”
Another 2022 Paving the Future Scholarship recipient is Michael Bednarczyk, a Landscape Management graduate from Michigan State University. “I appreciate Unilock for everything they’ve done to better my future in this industry, and I cannot wait to see what else is in store. I will continue my relationship with everyone that I have met in the process of winning this outstanding scholarship that supports my academic achievements and pursuit of the Horticulture and the Landscape fields of study,” says Bednarczyk.
“Whenever I have questions about future employment with a contactor, I will be using Unilock to help guide me in finding the right home. This industry is very tough, and I want to pursue it at the highest level possible and be able to learn as much as I can before potentially starting my own business,” Bednarczyk says.
This year, Unilock will award at least $60,000—$5,000 each to a minimum of 12 students—across the United States and Canada, helping to seed the new generation of landscape design, architecture and construction leaders by supporting educational expenses including tuition fees, but also as a partner to call on for support and resources as they start their career.
Key Dates for Students:
- Application deadline: August 31, 2023
- Recipients selected: September 1 – October 6, 2023
- Recipients announced: On or about October 10, 2023
Scholarship Eligibility and Evaluation:
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a permanent resident of the USA or Ontario, Canada
- Be enrolled in their final year of a full-time, post-secondary undergraduate or graduate program within landscape management, landscape construction, horticulture landscaping, turf grass management or related field at a vocational school, community college or University; students in an Apprenticeship program are also eligible
- Demonstrate academic excellence, maintaining a minimum cumulative average letter grade of B and show a desire to pursue a career in their field of study
- Demonstrate leadership and an ongoing commitment to their community
How to Enter:
To enter, students within the landscape construction or landscape architecture fields of study must submit an application, including answering questions describing why they are passionate about a career in landscape construction or landscape architecture and how they intend to actively contribute to the overall industry. Applicants may access the application online for landscape construction or landscape architecture.
“Cutting-edge technologies, sustainable solutions, distinct designs…the sky is the limit for these students. From planning community parks and helping homeowners beautify their outdoor escapes to restoring natural spaces and beyond, they will help pave the way for beauty in our world,” says Laura Panetta, director of Contractor Programs, Unilock. “We are proud to support this next generation of hardscape leaders and look forward to the creativity, leadership and vision they will bring to our industry.”
For more information about the Unilock Paving the Future Scholarship, visit the webpages below:
- For students within the landscape construction, landscape management, horticulture landscaping, turf grass management or related fields of study: landscape construction
- For students within the landscape architecture, landscape design or related fields of study: landscape architecture
