Garden Club of Minneapolis Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Garden Club of Minneapolis

Introduction
Since 1992 the Garden Club of Minneapolis (GCM) has provided more than $105,000 in merit-based scholarships to students pursuing careers in horticulture. Minnesota students working toward degrees and careers in horticulture, landscaping, or related professional fields are encouraged to apply. Individual awards typically range from $1,000 to $2,000.

2025 Scholarship Recipients
GCM awarded four scholarships in 2025:

- A sophomore at the University of Minnesota Crookston pursuing a B.S. in Horticulture with an emphasis on Production and Environmental Landscaping. The student is active in the Horticulture Club and serves as houseplant manager in the campus greenhouse.
- A freshman at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities studying Plant Science, Breeding track, who expects to graduate in 2027. In high school this student led the Environment Club and maintains a home garden.
- A freshman at Southwest Minnesota State University enrolled in the Agriculture Education program with an anticipated graduation year of 2028. This student has participated in Floriculture Career Development Events and submits home-garden entries to the County Fair.
- A student at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities majoring in Plant Science, Nursery and Floriculture track, expecting to graduate in fall 2026. The student has several years of nursery work experience, keeps a home garden and chickens, and plans to enter the nursery industry after graduation.

Eligibility
- Must be a resident of Minnesota.
- Must be accepted to, or currently enrolled full-time at, an accredited college or university in Minnesota.
- Must demonstrate a career interest in gardening, landscaping, or related areas aligned with the interests of home gardeners.
- Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2026. A Club committee will announce scholarship recipient(s) in April 2026.
- Finalists may be asked to attend an interview at a time and place to be determined.
- Financial need, age, gender, race, and religion are not considered in the selection process.

Required Application Materials
- Completed application form, including answers to Questions 1–4.
- One letter of recommendation from a non-family individual who can speak to the applicant’s horticultural experience and goals.
- One letter of recommendation from a college instructor, administrator, or advisor familiar with the applicant.
- The name and mailing address of the school’s financial aid officer or administrator.
- Any additional information the applicant wishes to submit (optional).

Important note
Incomplete applications will not be considered.