Fund your Future

About the HRI Scholarship Program

The HRI Scholarship Program includes multiple scholarship funds, each established by donors with unique interests and preferences. HRI offers a common application that allows eligible students to be considered for multiple scholarship opportunities through a single submission. HRI has also partnered with the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund to allow eligible applicants to be considered for their scholarship through this same application.

HRI scholarships are funded by industry donors investing in the following areas:

  • nursery and greenhouse production
  • landscape businesses
  • garden retail businesses
  • ornamental plant breeding and propagation
  • horticulture-related business, sales, and supply chain roles
  • applied research or extension that directly supports environmental/ornamental horticulture

Applications for the 2026 school year are accepted between March and May 31, 2026.

Eligibility Overview: Who Should Apply

While individual scholarship funds may have additional preferences or criteria, all HRI scholarships share minimum eligibility requirements.

HRI scholarships are intended for students preparing for careers within the environmental/ornamental horticulture industry. The most competitive applicants demonstrate a clear pathway toward working in horticulture after graduation.

All applicants must submit a statement describing how they plan to contribute to and work within the horticulture industry. This statement is a key evaluative component of the application and carries significant weight in the review process.
HRI scholarships are intended for students pursuing horticulture or closely related degrees. Programs commonly considered horticulture degrees include:
  • Horticulture
  • Horticultural Science
  • Nursery or Greenhouse Management or Production
  • Landscape Design, Construction, or Management
  • Ornamental Horticulture
  • Sustainable Horticulture
Closely related degrees may also be considered when applicants clearly demonstrate how their education is applied within the horticulture industry. Examples include:
  • Plant Science
  • Plant Pathology
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Forestry
  • Business or Marketing (when directly applied to horticulture businesses or industry roles)
Applicants pursuing closely related degrees must clearly articulate how their coursework, experiences, and career goals demonstrate a direct and practical application within the horticulture industry.
  • Minimum GPA: ≥ 2.25
  • GPA is evaluated holistically as part of the overall application.
  • Applicants must be an enrolled, full-time student in good academic standing during the semester the scholarship is granted, pursuing one of the following degree levels:
  • Undergraduate: Associate or Bachelor’s degree
  • Graduate: Master’s or Doctoral degree
Note: Individual scholarship funds may specify preferred or prioritized degree levels, but applicants at all levels listed above are eligible unless a fund explicitly restricts eligibility.
All applicants must be enrolled at an accredited institution located in the United States. Some scholarship funds include geographic preferences or requirements based on:
  • Residency
  • Institution location

Additional Scholarship Fund Requirements & Preferences

While all applicants must meet the minimum eligibility criteria outlined above, individual scholarship funds may include additional preferences or specific requirements based on donor intent.

Scholarship Name Geographic Requirements Career Aspirations Academic Level Preferences GPA Preferences
Carville M Akehurst Memorial Scholarship Resident of Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia Preference given to undergraduate students ≥ 2.7
Timothy S. and Palmer W. Bigelow, Jr. Scholarship Resident of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont Any aspect of the nursery industry, including desire to own one’s own business Preference also given to applicant who has financial need ≥ 2.25
Bryan A. Champion Memorial Scholarship Attend a university or college located within Ohio Preference given to upperclassmen ≥ 2.25
Cultivate the Future Scholarship Preference given to upperclassmen
Danziger Imagine More Scholarship Fund preference will be given to applicants pursuing a career in the supply, production, or breeding of annuals, perennials, cut flowers, or foliage. Preference given to upperclassmen ≥ 2.7
Gunter Mecking Memorial Scholarship Preference given to upperclassmen ≥ 2.7
Mugget Scholarship Preference given to upperclassmen ≥ 2.7
Spring Meadow – Proven Winners Scholarship Be interested in Woody Plant Production, Woody Plant Propagation, Woody Plant Breeding Preference given to undergraduate students; preference given to upperclassmen ≥ 2.7
Susie & Bruce Usrey Education Scholarship Attend a university or college in California ≥ 2.7
Usrey Family Scholarship Attend a university or college in California ≥ 2.7
Dennis & Harriet Walters Memorial Scholarship Preference for wholesale mursery, retail garden center, greenhouse production ≥ 2.7
John B. and Elizabeth Wight Memorial Scholarship Fund Resident of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, or West Virginia Preference for wholesale Nursery ≥ 2.7
Wright Family of Alabama Scholarship Resident of or attend College or University in Alabama Preference to Greenhouse Undergraduate students only; preference given to upperclassmen ≥ 2.7
Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Citizen of the United States; Resident of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, or West Virginia Undergraduate students (upperclassmen); graduate students ≥ 2.75 (Undergraduate Students) or ≥ 3.0 (Graduate Students)

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Browse our scholarships to learn more about them.

  • Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship

    Established in 2002 by the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show, Inc. (MANTS), the Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of one of MANTS’ founders and a respected leader within the horticulture industry. Carville Akehurst served for more than three decades as Executive Vice President of MANTS and held leadership roles with numerous state and national horticulture organizations, including the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association and the Maryland Greenhouse Growers’ Association. 


    Created in partnership with the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), this scholarship reflects Mr. Akehurst’s belief that education creates opportunity and is essential to the future strength of the nursery and landscape profession. Through this fund, MANTS continues its commitment to supporting students pursuing horticulture careers and sustaining the industry Mr. Akehurst helped shape.

  • Timothy S. and Palmer W. Bigelow, Jr. Scholarship

    The Timothy S. and Palmer W. Bigelow, Jr. Scholarship was established in 1988 by the Bigelow family to support students from New England pursuing careers in horticulture. Originally dedicated to the family’s son, Timothy Bigelow, the scholarship later expanded to honor Palmer W. “Bill” Bigelow, reflecting the family’s deep and lasting connection to the green industry. 


    The Bigelow family has long believed that student scholarships represent one of the most important investments the horticulture industry can make. Through this fund, the family continues its commitment to education as a cornerstone for the growth and development of the nursery and landscape profession.

  • Bryan A. Champion Memorial Scholarship

    The Bryan A. Champion Memorial Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Bryan Champion, president of Herman Losely & Son, Inc. and a fifth-generation nurseryman from Perry, Ohio. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Champion was actively involved in advancing the nursery and landscape industry through leadership, volunteer service, and peer-to-peer education.


    Throughout his career, Champion understood the value of quality education and industry research, working closely with Ohio State University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service to address real-world industry challenges. Following his passing in 2011, colleagues and peers established this scholarship to honor his passion for horticulture and commitment to industry advancement.


  • Cultivate the Future Scholarship

    The Cultivate the Future Scholarship Fund celebrates the nearly 100-year legacy of the industry’s flagship trade show and education event, Cultivate. Established through the generosity of Cultivate exhibitors, attendees, and Women in Horticulture luncheon participants over several years, the fund reflects the green industry’s collective commitment to education and workforce development.


    By supporting students pursuing horticulture degrees and green industry careers, the Cultivate the Future Scholarship Fund connects the success of today’s industry gathering with the professionals who will shape its future.

  • Danziger Imagine More Scholarship Fund

    The Danziger Imagine More Scholarship Fund was established by Danziger, a global floriculture breeding company, to celebrate its legacy of innovation and its long-standing commitment to the horticulture industry. Founded by Ernest and Zehava Danziger, the company has been built on imagination, creativity, and a belief in continually advancing the possibilities of plants and people alike.


    Created in partnership with the Horticultural Research Institute, the Imagine More Scholarship reflects Danziger’s commitment to investing in education and future industry leaders. Through this fund, Danziger supports students pursuing horticulture careers and encourages them to bring curiosity, fresh thinking, and passion to the green industry, helping ensure its continued growth and vitality.

  • Gunter Mecking Memorial Scholarship

    The Gunter Mecking Memorial Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Hans Gunter Mecking, a respected green industry professional known for his honesty, strong work ethic, and dedication to customer relationships. After working in his family’s business in Germany, Mecking developed a peat moss and peat bog operation in Canada, earning a reputation for integrity and practical problem-solving.


    Established in 2019 by friends and family, this scholarship supports students who aspire to the same qualities that defined Mecking’s career: hard work, honesty, and a deep commitment to the horticulture industry.

  • Mugget Scholarship

    The Mugget Scholarship grew out of the Mugget Growers of America (MGA), an informal group formed in 1981 as a social, educational, and fundraising network within the green industry. MGA members meet annually to discuss plant development and industry issues while supporting research and scholarship initiatives through the Horticultural Research Institute. 


    Recognizing the importance of well-prepared professionals, MGA members chose to direct proceeds from their activities toward student scholarships. The Mugget Scholarship reflects the group’s commitment to collaboration, education, and supporting aspiring horticulture professionals nationwide.

  • Spring Meadow – Proven Winners Scholarship

    The Spring Meadow – Proven Winners Scholarship was established in 1999 by Dale and Liz Deppe with the belief that bright, well-trained professionals are essential to the nursery industry. Recognizing the mentors and opportunities that shaped their own careers, the Spring Meadow team created this fund as a way to give back to the industry. 


    The scholarship supports students from across the country interested in careers related to woody plant production, propagation, breeding, and horticultural sales and marketing, reflecting Spring Meadow and Proven Winners®’ commitment to innovation, quality, and leadership in horticulture.

  • Susie & Bruce Usrey Education Scholarship

    Established in 2009 by Susie and Bruce Usrey of Monrovia Growers, Inc., the Susie & Bruce Usrey Education Scholarship reflects a deep belief that horticulture graduates are the lifeblood of the green industry. The Usreys’ commitment to education mirrors Monrovia’s dedication to quality, innovation, and leadership within horticulture. 


    Through this scholarship, the Usrey family supports students pursuing horticulture degrees and encourages the next generation of professionals to contribute to the beauty, value, and sustainability of landscapes across North America.

  • Usrey Family Scholarship

    The Usrey Family Scholarship reflects a multigenerational commitment to horticulture and industry leadership. Established by the Usrey family, the fund supports students pursuing green industry careers and encourages long-term engagement within the profession.


    This scholarship continues the family’s tradition of supporting education, opportunity, and professional growth as essential elements of a strong and sustainable horticulture industry.

  • Dennis & Harriet Walters Memorial Scholarship

    The Dennis & Harriet Walters Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of a family whose values of hard work, integrity, and industry involvement left a lasting mark on horticulture. Established in their memory, the fund reflects a belief in investing in people who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to the green industry. 


    Through this scholarship, the Walters family’s commitment to education and professional growth continues, supporting students who will carry forward the principles that helped sustain and strengthen the horticulture profession.

  • John B. & Elizabeth Wight Memorial Scholarship

    The John B. & Elizabeth Wight Memorial Scholarship was established by Todd Ellefson of Windmill Nursery in memory of his grandparents, John B. and Elizabeth “Beth” Wight, longtime supporters of the Horticultural Research Institute and the green industry. The Wights demonstrated their commitment to horticulture by establishing research funds in their names and in honor of Wight’s Nursery’s centennial year.


    Following the passing of Mrs. Wight in 2023, the family chose to honor Johnny and Beth’s legacy by establishing a named scholarship fund to support promising horticulture students. The fund reflects their enduring belief in education, research, and investing in people to ensure the continued strength of the horticulture industry.

  • Wright Family of Alabama Scholarship

    The Wright Family of Alabama Scholarship reflects the multigenerational commitment of Wright’s Nursery & Greenhouse, Inc., a family-owned operation in central Alabama. The Wright family began growing plants in the late 1960s and today produces a wide range of plants for independent garden centers throughout the region. 


    The business grew from a defining moment in the family’s history, when David Wright, Jr. overcame a life-changing farming accident and went on to earn a degree in ornamental horticulture from Auburn University. Today, the operation is led by the next generation of the Wright family. This scholarship honors their story of perseverance, education, and dedication to the green industry.

New Scholarships Coming Soon

  • Home Nursery/ Tosovsky Family Scholarship Fund
  • LuxFlora for Women Scholarship Fund
  • Manor View Farms / Jones Family Scholarship Fund
  • Muriel Orans Family Trust Fund
  • Ashby Pamplin Memorial Scholarship Fund
  • Pierson Family Scholarship Fund
  • Huntington Family/ Pleasant View Gardens Scholarship Fund
  • Eleanor and Curtis Taber Scholarship Fund

Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund

This scholarship is not administered by HRI but by the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund. For 2023, HRI and the Sidney B. Meadows foundation will utilize a shared application to amplify applicant access to scholarships and streamline our two organizations’ administrative efforts.

Created in 1989, the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship provides academic scholarships to students in sixteen southeastern states. The scholarship is dedicated to one of the most honored horticultural leaders, the late Sidney B. Meadows, who has been described as one of the industry's great humanitarians. Meadows was an avid supporter of student scholarships and believed that providing aid for students was the most important way to ensure the growth and development of all facets of the industry. Because of his beliefs and passion, many students are awarded scholarships each year.

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