GCA Scholarship Coastal Wetlands Application Requirements
Applications open November 1, 2026.
The items listed below must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time, January 10, 2027.
Application Form – The online GCA Coastal Wetlands Scholarship application form includes basic contact and academic information and a short summary (500-character maximum) of the project in layperson's language. Applicants must also upload their Project Narrative and Vita/CV directly through the application portal. (See the application link at the bottom of this page.)
1. Project Information – A narrative statement of no more than 6 pages, including references. This may include maps or other graphics and tables. Use 11-point or larger font. The applicant must upload the Project Narrative as a Microsoft Word document or PDF.- Statement of Work – include study hypothesis, methods (e.g., experimental design, statistical analyses, and expected results
- What portions of work have already been completed (if any)
- How the study benefits coastal wetlands
- How funds would be used
- Plans or opportunities for sharing research results with a larger audience
2. Vita – No more than 2 pages. The applicant must upload their Vita/CV as a Microsoft Word document or PDF through the online application.
At a minimum, include:
- Full name, phone, email, and permanent mailing address (current through April 30)
- Current degree status and year of study (e.g., 1st year, 2nd year, etc.) of student at time of application and anticipated terminal degree graduation date*
Note: If the student is enrolled in a "bypass program" from Masters to PhD, please note current status (Masters student or PhD student/candidate at the time of application) and anticipated bypass matriculation date into PhD studies. - Relevant education, work, and volunteer experience
- Publications and presentations
- Career goals
Letter of Endorsement from Applicant's Major Professor/Advisor – After the applicant submits the online application, their major professor/advisor will automatically receive an email containing a secure link to upload their Letter of Endorsement. The letter must be uploaded by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on January 10, 2027.
Once the endorsement is received, both the advisor and the student will receive separate confirmation emails indicating that the endorsement has been successfully submitted and the application packet is complete.
The letter should:
- Identify the student
- Indicate the status of the student in the graduate degree program
- Evaluate the student's ability as an independent researcher
The selection committee will consider all complete applications received on or before the January 10 deadline. An application packet is not considered complete until the letter of endorsement is received. It is the responsibility of the applicant to be sure all components have been submitted by following up with their advisor.
The committee forwards its top selections to the Garden Club of America mid-February for their annual meeting in New York. The Garden Club of America makes final decisions regarding the number of awards to be made each year according to available funding. The Garden Club of America officially notifies the award recipients via letter. All applicants are typically notified of the selection process outcome by early April.
Funding and Acceptance of Scholarship Terms – It would be preferable that funding from the Garden Club of America Scholarship be used for expenses related to support of field work or lab analysis (e.g., supplies, outside lab analysis, transportation, field technician assistance, etc.). However, the GCA does NOT require a detailed expense report for these funds. Once the funds are received by the scholarship winner, they belong to the recipient and not to the university. Award recipients will be expected to provide project reporting materials upon request.
Apply Online
Applications open November 1, 2026.
https://cmap22.vims.edu/gcaform/