Purpose: To encourage studies and careers in the environmental field, with the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience beyond the regular course of study. History: In 1993, the Scholarship Committee responding to the increasing number of excellent applicants for the Higgins Scholarship voted monies from the General Scholarship Fund to create and endow an additional summer environmental studies award. Clara Carter Higgins (Mrs. John W.), of the Worcester (Massachusetts) Garden Club established the original summer environmental studies award in 1964 with a stock gift of approximately $15,000. According to Executive Committee minutes of November 15, 1966, the interest from the fund “was to be used to cover a summer scholarship in conservation, preferably at the college level.â€