VIMS

Garden Club of America Coastal Wetlands Studies Scholarship

Can my advisor also be one of the three references on my CV?

It would be preferable for your three references to not include your advisor.

My study site is in western North Carolina.  Does that qualify as a coastal state?

Yes, the non-tidal, non-coastal parts of a coastal state qualify. However, a study site in a non-coastal state (e.g., West Virginia or Utah) would not qualify.

I am in the process of applying to graduate programs; do I qualify?

No. You must already be enrolled before you apply.

Is the scholarship open to students entering a combined BS/MS program? 

You must have reached the MS part of a joint program, taking graduate courses and carrying out graduate level research.

There are two different GCA scholarship programs that I could apply for.  Which should I choose?

You may apply for only one GCA scholarship per year.  Choose the program which is most applicable/closely aligned to your research topic.

Should the proposal be single-spaced or double-spaced?

Either is fine.

Do studies of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) qualify for this scholarship?

Although the emphasis of this award is wetlands, SAV projects can be submitted.

Do studies of fish or frogs or birds qualify for this scholarship?

Yes, as long as there is a strong connection to coastal wetlands (e.g., essential habitat), and that connection is well-described in the proposal.

My study will survey students to evaluate their understanding of sea level rise.  Does this qualify? 

No. This scholarship is specifically for field based research in wetlands.

How can I learn more about the Garden Club of America?

Please see the Garden Club of America's website where you can "stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening".  https://www.gcamerica.org/