The GCA Award in Desert Studies

About this program

The Garden Club of America offers the GCA Award in Desert Studies to support study and practical field work in horticulture, conservation, botany, environmental science, and landscape design for arid landscapes, funding one or more scholars $4,000 for one year with preference for structured internships at accredited botanical gardens or arboreta. Applicants must coordinate a plan of work with the host garden/arboretum, provide availability dates (academic credit not required), and submit a written report to both the host institution and the GCA upon completion; doctoral projects may be considered but are not prioritized. Eligible applicants are U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are graduate students or junior/senior undergraduates enrolled at U.S.-based institutions; only one GCA scholarship/fellowship/award application is allowed per applicant annually, with applications typically due January 15 and notifications by March 31.