TEPaul,
Merriam Online defines a Society as "a voluntary association of individuals for common ends; especially : an organized group working together or periodically meeting because of common interests, beliefs, or profession."
Nothing there about being a club, and ASGCA fits the bill.
They define association as "an organization of persons having a common interest : see SOCIETY"
Basically, they are the same, with the fancier term used to denote professions generally, and associations used for trades, like electricians. But, in either case, they meet periodically to work together on common issues.
As you know, I am an ASGCA member and past president, and I usually cringe at sideways swipes at our society, including calling us a "club." Such is just not true, either by the dictionary or in real life.
As to the original question, Ian and to a lesser degree, Tom, is right - resources are tight and students are lower priority than the existing members. We have discussed just how proactive we want to be, such as the EIGCA in developing the next generation.
It seems to me that the US and the Euros have completely different understandings as to the way to prepare young folk for careers. I read where in Europe, they keep trying to ID strengths and push kids into certain areas much earlier. Here, we use a much messier, random process, and many people don't sort out their desires until college - or later!
In general, it doesn't seem to be a big enough field to warrant a lot of formal training outside existing landscape design programs, which can sometimes allow students special projects in golf, if desired.
Add to that the fact that we have somehow populated the golf architect world with some pretty talented people from diverse background and that suggests enough is being done. However, ASGCA does have some general info and a listing of LA programs for those interested. Also, if a young student professes an interest in becoming a gca, their name is pubished in the newsletter for all members to see, but that would be a matter of extraordinary timing.
Individually, ASGCA members have hired hundreds or thousands of young gca's over the years, many who have gone on to be members, and/or have otherwise successful careers. If you count that, then ASGCA does a lot for aspiring young professionals.
My personal story is similar to Tom and Ian's (and most others) When I was 12, but still certain I was going to be a gca, my dad happened to see the press release saying ASGCA had moved their HQ to our hometown of Chicago in the Tribune. He wrote for info from them, and then the NGF and came home one day and piled it on my bed. I spent days pouring over the copies of articles. I suspect the net might provide a similar experience, but I was happier than a kid who sent away for a secret decoder ring! I called every Chicago gca (including a then retired Langford, then in Florida) and eventually went to work with Killian and Nugent, also getting other offers including from Art Hills.
BTW, as Tom D says, the first test is not letting anything deter you. At least a hundred people will tell you not to do it (including, in my case, both parents and several LA professors) and there will be a thousand roadblocks. If you are wondering what others are going to do for you to help you reach your goal, well.........
As to student members, its really a practical matter.
First, the group has always been about practicing architects.
Second, most of our interaction comes at our meeting, which have always been about our own continuing education. Frankly, our meeting agendas are pretty tight right now, with not enough time to devote to teaching students.
Third, any students attending presumably wouldn't have enough experience or professional level knowledge to pick up much from many presentations we hear. Although, there would be some valuble things, like our reviews of the history of golf design in whatever area we are in.
Lastly, the meetings are expensive to get to and attend. I wonder if we invited any students, if any could really afford to come?