From the President

Who We Are

How To Join a Club

Calendar of Events

Gardenews Online

Member Services

Scholarship Programs

Awards

State Organization

Councils & Schools

Links to Affiliates

 

Home

ROBERT LEWIS BAKER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Robert Lewis Baker was a University of Maryland Professor of Botany at the time of his death in 1980. Due to his popularity among Maryland gardeners and garden club members, contributions came in to Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland, Inc. in his memory, and an educational scholarship was established as a tribute to Dr. Baker and his significant influence on the gardening community. To raise additional funds for the scholarship, a lecture series on topics relating to landscaping was begun in 1981 in collaboration with the Horticultural Society of Maryland; the series continued until other organizations began offering similar programs.  In 1996, the scholarship fund was the recipient of a generous donation from the estate of Albert Edmund Baker, Dr. Baker’s father.

Depending upon availability of funds, one or more Robert Lewis Baker Memorial Scholarships of up to $5,000 each may be awarded annually.       

Eligibility: A one-year grant is available to a qualified high-school graduate, college student or graduate student.

  • An applicant must be a legal resident of Maryland, studying at any level at an accredited college or university in the United States. 
  • Course studies must lead to a degree in Ornamental Horticulture or Landscape Design.
  • Funds may be applied only to tuition, course fees, books or course-required materials. 

Application:  An applicant must submit one complete packet as instructed, to be received by the Vice-Chairman listed below by June 30.  The packet must include all (and only) the following materials: 

  1. The completed Robert Lewis Baker Memorial Scholarship application.
  2. A personal letter by the applicant discussing background, career goals, financial need and commitment to the chosen field of study, limited to two typewritten pages.
  3. The applicant’s complete official academic transcript to include the most recent grading period and cumulative grade point average.
  4. A list of the applicant’s extra-curricular activities and/or honors received in high school or college.
  5. Three letters of recommendation, each limited to one typewritten page.  Letters should be on official stationery if possible, and should give the name, address and position of the writer. Letters should address the applicant’s scholastic ability, character reference and work-related experience.

A student may reapply by submitting a new packet the following year(s), but is limited to receiving a maximum of two Robert Lewis Baker Memorial Scholarship grants.  

Robert Lewis Baker Memorial Scholarship Vice-Chairman
Dorrie Wilfong - 1206 Longford Rd., Lutherville, MD 21093-6308       dorriewilfong@verizon.net

To download the Robert Lewis Baker Memorial Scholarship application, click here.