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RCMGA Scholarship for Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program 

Scholarship Overview:
The Richland County Master Gardener Association (RCMGA) is pleased to sponsor four scholarships: two Louise M. Gantt Scholarships and two Ted Williams Scholarships. Each will be awarded annually to four eligible Clemson Master Gardener Volunteer Training Course (MGVTC) candidates. The purpose of these scholarships is to assist selected recipients by paying one-half ($150) of the $300 training course fee, a cost that might otherwise prohibit a promising candidate from participating. These scholarships honor Master Gardeners who made significant contributions to both the course and to RCMGA over many years. The RCMGA Scholarships and selection process are administered solely by the Richland County Master Gardener Association.

Scholarship Process:
Anyone who has paid the $300.00 course fee and has been accepted into the Clemson MGVTC may apply for one of the four RCMGA scholarships. Applications will be objectively evaluated by the RCMGA Scholarship Committee, which will then select a recipient for each scholarship. Scholarship applicants will be notified whether they have been selected or not shortly after class begins.

Scholarship Criteria:

  1. The applicant must meet all eligibility criteria established by Clemson for the MGVTC.

  2. The applicant must be a resident of Richland, Fairfield or Kershaw County.

  3. The applicant must include a written statement that indicates:

    • A. Commitment to the scholarship’s goal of continued volunteerism, and 

    • B. an explanation of financial need that might prohibit or seriously hinder the applicant’s participation in the course. The candidate may choose to share whatever financial/personal details they deem necessary to establish eligibility, with assurance that disclosed information will remain confidential. We do not ask for specific financial information, figures or documents, but we reserve the right to ask that statements be documented if necessary.

  4. The scholarship recipient will be chosen only from among those candidates accepted by Clemson into the Master Gardener Volunteer Training Course. 

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Each scholarship recipient must commit to the following:

  1. Successful completion of the MGVTC (student phase).

  2. Completion of the Course’s service obligations (intern phase, 40 hours of educational service) under the supervision of RCMGA.

  3. Membership in RCMGA for at least one (1) year as a full, certified member.

  4. Completion of (and/or involvement in) a specific RCMGA project if requested. Scholarship Application Instructions:

 

​If you wish to compete for one of the four available RCMGA scholarships, please complete this online application form (and its supplement – see #3 above) as instructed.
Email the completed application and statements to Cathy Beattie, Membership Chair (RCMGAScholar@gmail.com)
RCMGA scholarships are offered to adults without regard to race, creed, gender, ethnic origin, age, orientation, disability or marital/family status.

Specific Criteria #5

RCMGA Scholarship Application for
Master Gardener Volunteer Training Class

1. Applicant Information

​2. Terms & Conditions. 

Checking agree to the terms & conditions apply to each of the terms & conditions below

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  • I understand that there are four (4) half-scholarships available from RCMGA on a competitive basis. Each scholarship is worth $150 (one-half of the $300 course fee).

  • I understand that the purpose of each scholarship is to assist the recipient to become a certified Master Gardener with the goal of ongoing volunteerism. If selected, I will fulfill my certification requirements and continue volunteer activities, assisting Clemson Extension in its mission through my active membership in the RCMGA. (See Scholarship Criteria, #5 (links to above) .

  • I certify that financial assistance to offset the training cost is a significant factor in my ability to participate in the MG Course. I am providing a detailed explanation of that need (see below). I also certify that all information provided by me is accurate and can be documented if requested.

  • I understand that I will be notified that I have been selected - or rejected - for a scholarship in time to decide whether or not to enroll in the course.

  • If awarded a scholarship, I will pay the entire course fee ($300) to Clemson University when notified to do so by the Richland MG Coordinator – and within the time frame allowed. Failure to do so will forfeit both my enrollment in the Course and my scholarship. On the first day of class, I will receive a reimbursement check from RCMGA for $150 (one-half of my course fee).

3. Statement of Financial Need or Considerations:

Attach to this form a separate, written or typed explanation of (a) your  commitment  to  the  scholarship’s  goal  of  volunteerism;  and  (b)  why  financial  assistance  is  important  to  your participation in the course. There are no right or wrong answers and no income “ceiling”: You  may be employed, unemployed or retired – but with extraordinary expenses or mitigating circumstances that affect your financial situation even temporarily. You do not have to attach documents or reveal financial or income figures. Please tell us all you think we need to know – the information is strictly confidential.

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