ISA Certified Arborist Scholarship

The Minnesota Society of Arboriculture has been selected as a recipient of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) ReLeaf Community Forestry Grants which aim to support urban and community forest management and enhancement efforts across the state. With this funding, MSA will offer scholarships, on a reimbursement basis, to eligible individuals who pass the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist exam.

Scholarship Details​


​This scholarship is focused on assisting in becoming an ISA Certified Arborist those who are located in a census block group with a supplemental demographic index score in the 70th percentile or higher within the state of Minnesota and the justification of Priority Area focus methodology.​

To determine if you are eligible for this scholarship:

  • Follow this link to access the Priority Area map.
  • Enter your primary residential address into the box in the upper right-hand corner. Individuals whose residence is located within a Priority Area (identified in blue) are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

The supplemental demographic index is a combination of five socioeconomic factors averaged together for each Census block group. The supplemental demographic index can provide an additional perspective on potential community vulnerability. The formula is as follows: supplemental demographic index = (% low-income + % persons with disabilities + % less than high school education + % limited English speaking + low life expectancy) / 5.

Scholarships can cover:

  • ISA Certified Arborist Application fee
  • ISA Certified Arborist Exam fee
  • the Arborists’ Certification Study Guide
  • Pre-approved education and study courses focused on ISA Certification
    ​

Scholarship funds will not cover: 

  • ​Membership fees

 Application Process & Timeline:

  • PLEASE NOTE that you must separately apply to ISA in order to be eligible to take the exam. You must also register for the exam on your own in advance. This form only has the potential to make you eligible for reimbursement of costs to study for and take the exam.
  • Submit complete application form
  • Applications received will be reviewed on a first-come first-serve basis.
  • Confirmation emails to approved and disapproved applicants will be sent by the 15th of the following month. For example, an application received in September 2026 will receive a confirmation email by November 15, 2026.
  • For accepted applications, exams need to be completed and reimbursement paperwork submitted no later than June 1, 2027. 
  • If approved, and once you have taken and passed the exam, you will need to submit all necessary paperwork for reimbursement no later than June 1, 2027. Reimbursement paperwork must include:
    • Receipts for any eligible purchases requested in the reimbursement
    • Proof of passing ISA Certified Arborist exam

Instructors​

 
Dr. Gilman was on the faculty 1986-2016 as professor at the University of Florida. He received honorary membership in ASLA in 2016. Ed wrote “Illustrated Guide to Pruning” which is in its third edition. He received the Authors Citation Award in 1999, Educators Award in 2003, Research Award in 2007, and the Award of Merit (ISAs highest award) in 2016 from the International Society of Arboriculture. He has published more than 120 scientific peer reviewed journal articles on roots, planting, and pruning trees during 44 years in academia and industry. Ed has conducted more than 800 presentations to professional groups throughout his career world-wide. He now conducts training, prepares specifications, and consults for companies on arboriculture related issues.

Rob Calley serves as the small production company representative on the PPQ Committee. Rob is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) and Certified Arborist (CA), He is also a Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP) and has the ISA TRAQ Assessment (TRAQ) and Florida Chapter ISA PPQ. He was president of the Florida Chapter ISA in 2020 and currently serves as the Chair of the Florida Chapter Marketing Committee. He is the recipient of “The True Professional of Arboriculture Award” in 2019.​

Questions​

msa@msa-live.org​