2026 Student Prizes & Awards

Apply by Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 11:59pm

The Chase, Drake and LaCross Awards recognize student projects and engagement that are directly related to Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum's strategic plan. Student projects may encompass a range of subjects, including but not limited to: ecological studies, sustainable design, environmental art installations, ecological stewardship, or place-based education.  Student engagement activities may include student employment, internships, capstone projects, volunteer experiences, or student organization initiatives.
 
Awards may recognize past or current employment or volunteer experience, current or proposed research or artistic endeavors, and/or current or proposed student engagement activity relevant to MBGNA.

Proposed activities should be completed before December 31, 2026.

EligibilityTwo students conducting research in a greenhouse.

Undergraduate Students: must be enrolled as a major or minor in the Program in the Environment (PitE) 
Graduate Students: must be enrolled in the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) or pursuing a graduate certificate in SEAS.

Students who have concurrent majors/minors/degree candidacy with other units are eligible as long as one is PitE or SEAS. Awards are distributed for current or proposed, near future projects. Preference is given to students who have not won previously.

Candidates must apply directly. Please see submission instructions below. 

Students may apply for funding to support a formal or informal group initiative.  This may include, but is not limited to, SEAS Capstone courses or projects initiated by a SEAS-affiliated student organization. If applying as part of a group, submit  one application and be sure to list all names and email addresses of your group members.

Amounts

On average, individual awards may range from $500-$3,000. Group awards may range from $1,000-$5,000.

Submissions

To prepare a successful application:

  1. Review the Chase, Drake and LaCross Awards purpose and qualifications.
  2. Review the award application questions.  

To apply, complete the 2026 MBGNA Student Awards Application:

  1. You will be prompted to upload your answers to the award application questions on a pdf.
  2. You will be prompted to upload your resume or CV on a pdf. 
  3. You will be prompted to include the contact information of two references. 
  4. Apply by Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 11:59pm.

Review

  1. Award winners will be notified before April 30, 2026.