Corliss Knapp Engle Scholarship in Horticulture
Offered by The Garden Club of America
About This Scholarship
The Corliss Knapp Engle Scholarship is the Garden Club of America's most flexible horticulture award. Where most GCA scholarships target a specific degree level or region, the Engle funds one or more $3,000 scholarships annually across an unusually wide band of students: undergraduates, graduate students, advanced degree candidates, and even non-degree-seeking students above the high school level.
That last category makes this award worth a close look for adult learners and career changers — someone taking serious horticulture coursework at a botanical garden program or extension school without pursuing a formal degree can qualify, which is rare in the scholarship world. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents actively enrolled in a U.S.-based institution, with study or a project in horticulture.
Applications are due February 1 preceding the period of study and can be submitted through the online form linked from the scholarship page or by mail to GCA headquarters in New York City. Keep in mind the program-wide rule: only one GCA scholarship, fellowship, or award may be applied for annually, so weigh the Engle against GCA's more specialized awards before committing your one application.
Eligibility
- Undergraduate, graduate, advanced degree candidate, or non-degree-seeking student above high school level
- Study or project in horticulture
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Actively enrolled in a U.S.-based institution
How To Apply
- Plan the horticulture study or project the scholarship would fund
- Choose this as your one GCA application for the year
- Complete the online application form linked from the GCA scholarship page (or mail materials to GCA headquarters)
- Submit by February 1, 2027, preceding your period of study
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I'm not in a degree program?
Yes — unusually, the Engle Scholarship is open to non-degree-seeking students above the high school level, as long as you are actively enrolled in a U.S.-based institution and studying horticulture.
How many scholarships are awarded?
GCA funds one or more Engle scholarships annually at $3,000 each; the exact number varies by year.
Can I also apply for another GCA award?
No. GCA allows only one scholarship, fellowship, or award application per person per year across its entire program.