Sponsored by the Garden Club of America (GCA), this fellowship was established in 2000 by Mr. and Mrs. Wilmer J. Thomas, Jr. and is awarded annually to an exceptional graduate student to assist with study and research at a leading American institution. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (also called permanent resident aliens). The purpose of the GCA is to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening, to share the advantages of association by means of educational meetings, conferences, correspondences and publications, and to restore, improve and protect the quality of the environment through educational programs and action in the fields of conservation and civic improvement.