Loy McCandless Marks Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Garden Club of America

Overview

This scholarship promotes the study of tropical horticulture and landscape architecture by supporting U.S.-based students who wish to pursue international study. It is aimed at both undergraduate and graduate students seeking focused, cross-border learning experiences at botanical institutions. The award supports practical study or research that advances knowledge in tropical horticulture, botany, or landscape architecture. The program is administered in partnership with the National Tropical Botanical Garden and aligned with GCA scholarship oversight.

• Supports international study in tropical horticulture and landscape architecture
• Open to U.S.-based undergraduate and graduate students
• Administered with the National Tropical Botanical Garden

Eligibility

Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must be currently and actively enrolled in a U.S.-based college or university. The program cannot fund international applicants due to IRS restrictions. Both undergraduate and graduate students in relevant fields such as tropical horticulture, botany, or landscape architecture are eligible. Applicants should plan to undertake their international study within the award’s required timeframe.

• U.S. citizens and permanent residents only
• Active enrollment at a U.S. institution required
• Fields: tropical horticulture, botany, or landscape architecture

Award

Award Value: The scholarship provides a $5,000 stipend to a well-qualified student for international study or research at botanical institutions. Funds are intended to support study abroad and associated travel and study expenses. The destination need not be in a tropical climate; the study must be international. Application Timeline: Travel funded by the award must commence within 12 months of notification of the award.

• $5,000 for travel and international study at botanical institutions
• Study can occur in non-tropical climates if the program is international
• Travel must begin within 12 months of award notification

Selection

Selection: Applications are reviewed by a panel of representatives convened by the National Tropical Botanical Garden, drawn from the fields of tropical horticulture, botany, and landscape architecture. The panel’s recommendations are subject to approval by the GCA Scholarship Committee. Selection emphasizes academic preparation, quality of the proposed study or research, and feasibility of the international itinerary. Decisions reflect both scholarly merit and alignment with the award’s objectives.

• Peer review by subject-matter representatives from NTBG
• Final approval by the GCA Scholarship Committee
• Focus on academic merit and feasible international plans

Application

Applications must be compiled as a single PDF and submitted to the National Tropical Botanical Garden by the January deadline. Materials should demonstrate the applicant’s research goals, proposed international itinerary, budget, academic record, and references familiar with the proposed study. Letters of recommendation must be signed and may be attached to the application or sent directly from the recommender’s email to [email protected]. Only one GCA scholarship, fellowship, or award may be applied for in any given year.

1. A 1-page description of your research and how the scholarship will support it
2. A proposed itinerary and list of potential or confirmed collaborating institutions (travel must begin within 12 months of award)
3. A 1-page budget for travel and study, with explanation of additional funding if needed
4. A 1-page CV including contact information, degrees, enrollment dates, institutions, and relevant experience
5. College or university transcripts (high school transcripts not required)
6. Two signed letters of recommendation addressing academic progress, personal qualities, and suitability for the proposed international study; recommenders may email letters directly to [email protected]

• Submit one PDF to [email protected] by the January deadline
• Letters must be signed and may be attached or emailed directly by recommenders
• Only one GCA award application permitted per year

History

History of the Award: The Loy McCandless Marks Scholarship Fund was created by the Elizabeth L. Marks Trust to support science majors specializing in tropical horticulture or landscape architecture. Elizabeth L. Marks was a long-time member of the Garden Club of Honolulu, and her trust specifies awards to enable one- to two-year study periods at outstanding botanical institutions abroad. The fund reflects a legacy focus on international botanical education and professional development in tropical plant sciences.

• Established by the Elizabeth L. Marks Trust
• Intended to fund one- to two-year international study at botanical institutions
• Founded to support promising students in tropical horticulture and landscape architecture