Taking Root Scholarship Program
Scholarship Sponsored by Arborjet
Overview
Description: The Taking Root Scholarship, in partnership with Arborjet | Ecologel, supports students enrolled in accredited arboriculture or horticulture programs who intend to pursue careers in arboriculture or plant health care. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to studying science and technology to advance the industry, and show prior community engagement and curiosity about plant health care needs. Eligible fields of interest include plant pathology, entomology, chemistry related to invasive insect and disease management, arboriculture, urban forestry, horticulture, and landscape architecture. The scholarship emphasizes practical and scientific approaches that address current challenges in plant health.
- Supports students in arboriculture, horticulture, and related fields.
- Focus on science, technology, and community engagement.
- Includes study areas such as plant pathology and entomology.
Eligibility
Eligibility: Applicants must be incoming freshmen through seniors planning to attend a community college, college, or university full time and enrolled in an arboriculture, horticulture, or related program with the intent to graduate in that field. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (C) is required. Award recipients may reapply for the scholarship in subsequent years. Applicants should demonstrate a clear desire to pursue a career in plant health care and related sciences.
- Open to incoming freshman–senior students enrolled full time.
- Minimum 2.0 GPA required; recipients can reapply annually.
- Preference for demonstrated community engagement and relevant interests.
Application and Submission
Application Timeline: Completed applications and supporting materials must be submitted annually by the required January deadline; recipients are notified in April. Submissions are accepted by mail or electronically, and a downloadable application is available on the National Horticulture Foundation website. Students are responsible for ensuring all materials, including transcripts, are received before the deadline to be considered. Incomplete or late packages may be disqualified from consideration.
Required Materials: Applicants must provide a completed scholarship application, high school or college transcripts (these may be forwarded directly by the institution but must be received by the deadline), and an essay.
- Deadline: January each year; notifications issued in April.
- Submit by mail to Taking Root Scholarship, National Horticulture Foundation, 1533 Park Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32835 or electronically.
- Required items: completed application, transcripts, and an essay.