In 2021, the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS SCV) established a Horticulture Scholarship Program to support a local student pursuing a horticultural career with a focus on California native plants. This $1,500 scholarship has been broadened to support students who show a commitment to their studies in one of the following fields: native plant horticulture, native plant ecology, native habitat or park management. The student should have a goal of working in a field with a focus on native plants or their habitat, and should have already taken, or plan to take a course that is dedicated to or includes substantial information about native plants before completion of their degree.  

Requirements to Apply

• For a community college student or high school senior whose primary residence is in San Mateo or Santa Clara County, or are attending, or have applied to college in one of these counties
• Demonstrated a goal of furthering native plant ecosystems or native plant horticulture and has already taken or has a plan to take before completion of their degree, a course in native plant horticulture or ecology. 
• A minimum cumulative 2.5 Grade Point Average (GPA).
• Two letters of recommendation: these can be from the department director, an academic teacher or another related (program, organization, company) leader.

The recipient of the scholarship should be willing to meet with representatives from the CNPS SCV chapter to learn ways to connect with the group and use group activities to enhance their career path. The recipient will also be asked to attend one CNPS chapter program to introduce themself or if unable to attend, record a short video, or contribute a short article of introduction in the chapter newsletter, The Blazing Star. 

The recipient of the scholarship will also receive a complimentary membership to the California Native Plant Society.

Application Process 

• Fill out application form here: https://cnps-scv.org/cc-scholarship-application
• Application deadline is February 15, 2025.
• Send a sealed official transcript from your college or high school (copies or unsealed transcript not accepted) to the address below, and
• Original sealed letters of recommendations should be sent directly to the address below and postmarked by February 15, 2025:

CNPS Santa Clara Valley Chapter
Attn: Community College Scholarship
3921 East Bayshore Road, Suite 205
Palo Alto, CA 94303

If you have any questions about the scholarship, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Donors

If you would like to contribute to the scholarship fund, a check written to “CNPS”, with a notation of “Community College Scholarship” may be mailed to the address below. Company matching programs are welcome.

The Treasurer, CNPS Santa Clara Valley Chapter
3921 E. Bayshore Road, Suite 205
Palo Alto, CA 94303