Katharine M. Grosscup Scholarships in Horticulture

Scholarship Sponsored by Garden Club of America

Description

This scholarship supports the study of horticulture and closely related fields by providing financial awards to promising students. It aims to foster academic and research advancement within regional horticulture programs. The program emphasizes both education and hands-on research support. Awards are intended to encourage continued engagement in horticultural professions and conservation efforts.

Description: A regional scholarship established to encourage study and research in horticulture and related disciplines.

• Supports education and research in horticulture.
• Targets students with strong academic records and commitment to the field.
• Administered through regional garden club committees.

Education

The scholarship is available to students who will be rising college sophomores, juniors, seniors, or master's degree candidates as of fall 2027. Applicants must be actively enrolled in a qualifying U.S.-based institution during the award period. The program is intended for those pursuing majors in horticulture or related fields. Applicants should demonstrate academic progress appropriate to their degree level.

Education: Eligible applicants include rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, or master's candidates for fall 2027 enrolled at a U.S. institution.

• Open to undergraduate and master's level students entering fall 2027.
• Must be actively enrolled at a U.S.-based institution.
• Intended for majors in horticulture or related subjects.

Eligibility

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and currently enrolled at a U.S. institution located in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia. Candidates should be majoring in horticulture or a closely related discipline and maintain strong academic performance. A minimum GPA of 3.5 is expected for consideration. The regional limitation and academic standard ensure the award serves students within the scholarship’s geographic and scholarly focus.

Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled at institutions in IN, KY, MI, OH, PA, or WV with a typical minimum GPA of 3.5 and a horticulture-related major.

• Residency: U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Institution location restricted to six states (IN, KY, MI, OH, PA, WV).
• Academic expectation: approximately 3.5 GPA or higher.

Award Value

Awards are paid directly to recipients to support their education and research activities. Initial awards may be up to $3,500, and recipients may apply for a second-year award with a maximum of $1,000. Funds are distributed to help cover educational costs and research expenses relevant to horticulture. The award structure is designed to provide meaningful short-term support with a limited renewal option.

Award Value: Initial awards up to $3,500; second-year funding available up to $1,000 for qualifying recipients.

• Primary award: up to $3,500 paid directly to the recipient.
• Renewal: possible second-year award up to $1,000.
• Funds designated for education and research expenses.

Selection

Applicants are reviewed and interviewed by the Katharine M. Grosscup Scholarship Committee based in Cleveland, Ohio, and final selections require approval by the GCA Scholarship Committee. The selection process includes screening of materials and an interview component to assess candidate qualifications and fit. Interviews for the 2027 cycle will be conducted in early February 2027. The dual-committee review provides local evaluation with national oversight.

Application Timeline: Scholarship interviews are scheduled for early February 2027; application materials are due in January at GCA Headquarters.

• Local committee conducts screening and interviews in Cleveland, OH.
• Final approval by the GCA Scholarship Committee.
• Interviews occur in early February; applications are due in January.

History

The Katharine M. Grosscup Scholarships were established in 1981 to honor the memory of Katharine MacConnell Grosscup and to promote gardening and conservation. The fund was founded by Margaret Evans Berdan of the Garden Club of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and the first scholarship committee chair was Elizabeth Evans of the Garden Club of Cleveland. The scholarship committee continues to be jointly managed by three members each from the Shaker Lakes Garden Club and the Garden Club of Cleveland. The award reflects a long-standing tradition of friendship, horticultural enthusiasm, and regional collaboration.

History of the Award: Founded in 1981 by Margaret Evans Berdan in memory of Katharine M. Grosscup; committee co-managed by Shaker Lakes and Garden Club of Cleveland members.

• Established in 1981 to honor Katharine MacConnell Grosscup.
• Founded by Margaret Evans Berdan; first chair was Elizabeth Evans.
• Committee jointly managed by members of two regional garden clubs.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically or mailed to arrive at GCA Headquarters in New York City by the January due date. Applicants should consult the official application materials for required documents, formats, and any supplemental information. Only one GCA scholarship, fellowship, or award may be applied for in a single year, so applicants must choose carefully. Use the published application instructions to ensure timely and complete submission.

Application Instructions: Submit electronically or by mail to GCA Headquarters (New York City) by the January deadline; only one GCA award application is permitted per year.

• Submit applications electronically or by mail to GCA Headquarters.
• Applications must be received by the January due date.
• Only one GCA scholarship/fellowship/award application allowed per year.