In 2018, the Greater Greenville Master Gardener Association (GGMGA) implemented a scholarship program with the goal of giving back to the community by supporting horticulture education for Greenville County residents. While GGMGA has a grants program to support worthy projects, the scholarship program is designed for the purpose of supporting worthy people and budding gardeners. This program is funded via net proceeds from the GGMGA Spring Plant Sale and the budget is adjusted annually based on these proceeds. Scholarship funds are distributed each year in several different ways.
- Tuition assistance may be awarded to qualified college students who have completed a least one year in an accredited institution of higher education with the goal of furthering their education in a horticulture-related course of study. GGMGA and the Clemson University Foundation have established scholarship funds for students in the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences. Scholarship selections will be based on Clemson University policies and procedures.
- Scholarships are available for Greenville County teachers participating in the Clemson Cooperative Extension course “School Garden and Education Assistance Program.” Emphasis for scholarships will be for teachers in underdeveloped areas and Title One schools. Teachers can contact the 4-H Youth Development Agent the following at: Greenville County Cooperative Extension, Clemson University, (864) 365-0627.
- Other opportunities include the tuition for the Clemson Extension “Cultivating Communities” course. The scholarship committee will research various deserving communities within Greenville County and the non-profits that oft times work with these neighborhoods. Members of these groups would be delineated as exhibiting gardening talents and expertise but would benefit from further data-based instruction done virtually via provided laptops. Any organizations wishing access to this course can contact [email protected].
- Fifth and sixth-grade students from Greenville County may receive scholarships to attend the two-week Junior Master Gardener Camp offered each summer through Roper Mountain Science Center, Greenville County 4H and the GGMGA.