MARTIN McLAREN SCHOLARSHIP --

                        FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

 

The scholarships are open to recent university graduates who have earned a BA or BS degree and are single and unaccompanied.  Successful candidates usually have excellent academic transcripts in horticulture, landscape architecture or related fields.  They are self-starters, have knowledge of plants, and show evidence of intellectual curiosity.    It is advised applicants be 26 or younger because of the age limit on travel vouchers in Great Britain.

 

WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP PAY FOR?

 

The McLaren Trust and the RHS cover the cost of transport, housing, board, course tuition at Reading University and an allowance for personal needs during the academic year in Great Britain.  The GCA pays for round trip transportation to the UK and provides a supplement of $4000.   The candidate supplies any additional funds needed for personal expenses that exceed the allowance.

 

WHEN DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP BEGIN?

   McLaren Scholars arrive in Britain in late August to begin a 10-month program.  Some students return to America for the holidays, but at their own expense.

 

WHERE IN BRITAIN COULD I WORK/STUDY?

 

The McLaren Horticultural Scholarship gives students the opportunity to focus on individual interests in horticulture, garden history and design, or public garden administration, to expand their career horizons, and to work in a variety of famous gardens. Representatives from the Royal Horticultural Society and the McLaren Trust assist in tailoring a work/study program for each student.  Recent scholars have spent time at a broad range of sites, including RGB Kew, RHS Rosemoor, the Chelsea Physic Garden, RBG Edinburgh, Oxford Botanic Garden, the Eden Project, National Trust Glendurgan Garden, and Benmore Botanic Garden.  Some students do a course at Reading University, others find volunteer placement working on a garden submission to the Chelsea Flower Show.  

 

WHAT DOES THE GCA REQUIRE OF THEIR SCHOLARS?

 

Scholars are asked to write two short reports in September and February followed by a full report at the end of the year.  After returning to the USA, scholars are often invited to speak at GCA club or zone meetings to help publicize the scholarship to GCA members across the country

 

WHEN IS THE SCHOLARSHIP WINNER SELECTED?

 

Applications must be received at GCA Headquarters in New York by November 15^th preceding the year of study.  Finalists attend an interview in New York in early January at their own expense. The winner is notified by mid-January.

 

WHY DOES THE GCA SEND A STUDENT TO ENGLAND?

 

This Garden Club of America Scholarship dates back to 1948 following World War II, when the Hillsborough Garden Club in California proposed fostering British American relations through an exchange of scholars in horticulture, landscape architecture and related fields by supporting a British exchange student for a year in America. In 1950 the English Speaking Union (ESU) in London offered a reciprocal fellowship to an American student to study in Britain, and in 1952 the Garden Club of America voted to make the Interchange Fellowship a permanent project for all member clubs.

 

WHY IS IT NAMED MARTIN MCLAREN SCHOLARSHIP?

 

Since 1982 the McLaren Trust has provided financial sponsorship of the American student in the UK and Mrs. Nancy McLaren has given guidance and gracious hospitality to students.  The American recipient is known as the Martin McLaren Scholar, in honor of Mrs. McLaren’s late husband.  In 2006 the McLaren Trust partnered with the Royal Horticultural Society to provide financial support for the scholarship and the administration transferred to RHS Wisley. Members of the McLaren family have been involved with the Royal Horticultural Society for many years.

 

DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP FURTHER CAREER OPPORTUNTIES?

 

Past students on both sides of the Atlantic now hold leading positions in public garden management, horticulture, education, and landscape architecture.  The opportunities available to McLaren scholars and Interchange Fellows are unique in the horticultural field, and the network of alumni has become a lasting legacy.