Conservation & Ecological RestorationElliot Gerlach

2026 The Sara Shallenberger Brown Garden Club of America National Parks Conservation Scholarship

Key conservation projects across multiple sections of the National Park Service (NPS) Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC

Under the guidance of NPS Maintenance and Natural Resource staff, the crews will receive specialized training to support conservation efforts such as trail rehabilitation, erosion control, and invasive species removal throughout Rock Creek Park. In addition to hands-on experience, participants will benefit from professional development opportunities, green job exploration, SCA-provided gear, and continued alumni support upon program completion, helping to build a strong foundation for careers in conservation. This workforce development program will contribute to improving recreation accessibility and natural resource management within the park. The crew leaders will also help facilitate Environmental Education field trips throughout the program season, which will include summit hikes, biking trips, and career panels featuring NPS professionals from various fields and departments.

School: American University

The Sara Shallenberger Brown Garden Club of America National Parks Conservation Scholarship

To encourage studies and careers in the conservation fields, with the opportunity to protect, enhance, and gain knowledge and experience for the lasting benefit of the U.S. National Parks. The Sara Brown GCA National Parks Scholarship will fund at least one (or more) SCA Apprentice Crew Leader (ACL), Leader, and/or Apprentice annually. ACLs and leaders will provide support, encouragement, and mentorship of high school crews engaged in hands-on conservation projects. Apprentices will work under the direct oversight of a land management agency or organization to address specific needs, which often include, but are not limited to, field data collection and management, visitor interpretation and education, and direct service work that maintains trails and improves habitats. The goal will be to provide a college or graduate student enrolled in a U.S.-based institution with the technical and personal skills and field experience to become a future leader in challenging and rewarding conservation service work.

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2026

Caroline Lavoie

The Garden Club of America Rome Prize Fellowship in Landscape Architecture

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