Garden Club of America Award
Scholarship Sponsored by Desert Botanical Garden
Overview
The Garden Club of America Award in Desert Studies supports advanced undergraduate and graduate work focused on horticulture, conservation and landscape design in arid regions. The award may take the form of an internship placement or financial support for a research-related project that advances knowledge and practice in desert environments.
Who is eligible
- Advanced undergraduates and graduate students enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university.
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible.
- Fields of study should relate to horticulture, conservation, botany, environmental science, or landscape design with an emphasis on arid landscapes.
Preference will be given to applicants seeking hands-on field experience through structured internships at accredited botanical gardens or arboreta (including, but not limited to, Desert Botanical Garden) focused on topics such as planning and design for sustainability, rainwater harvesting, plant management, and related practices. Doctoral field research is eligible for consideration but will not receive funding priority.
Internship and project expectations
- Internship applicants should collaborate with the chosen botanical garden or arboretum to develop a written plan of work that outlines objectives, tasks, supervision and a timeline for the internship period.
- Applicants should indicate the dates they will be available to intern. Check with your academic office about the possibility of receiving university credit for the internship (academic credit is not required).
- Upon completion of an internship or funded research project, the student must submit a written report of accomplishments to both the hosting botanical institution and the Garden Club of America.
Award amount and timeline
- Award amount: $4,000 (the program may fund one or more recipients at this level for a one-year period).
- Application deadline: January 15, 2026 (applications must be received by this date).
- Review: Applications will be reviewed by a panel appointed by Desert Botanical Garden and approved by the GCA Scholarship Committee; decisions are based on applicant qualifications.
- Notification: Selection will be completed in early March and the recipient(s) will be notified by March 31.
- The Garden Club of America adheres to and supports federal and state nondiscrimination laws and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, religion, age, national origin, or sexual orientation in scholarship selection.
How to apply
Email all application materials to [email protected] with the subject line: GCA Award in Desert Studies.
Required materials
1) Current resume that includes: mailing address, phone number, email, relevant education, work experience, and any publications. Also include:
- If applying for an internship: name and contact information for a person at the accredited botanical garden or arboretum where you propose to intern, plus a letter from that contact confirming your acceptance and specifying the internship timeframe; OR
- If not applying for an internship: a description of the proposed research project.
2) A 1–2 page essay describing:
- Your career goals,
- Your specific interests in sustainability within arid environments and what you aim to accomplish through the internship or project,
- Contact information for one reference who can speak to your character and abilities.
3) Letter of recommendation from your academic advisor using the Academic Advisor Recommendation form. The completed and signed recommendation should be sent directly to [email protected].
Contact
Noemi Hernandez
Cactus Collection Manager
Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008
[email protected]
Questions about the award or application process can be directed to the contact above.