Garden Club of America (GCA) Awards provide financial aid toward summer studies doing field work or research in the environmental field. The awards offer students who have demonstrated a keen interest in the betterment of the environment an opportunity for further study in the field of ecology. Work may award academic credit but should be in addition to required courses. College students may apply for these awards to pursue study following their freshman, sophomore, or junior year. The specific course of study in the field of ecology and site of study are chosen by their student.