National Horticultural Foundation Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by National Horticultural Foundation
Overview
The National Horticulture Foundation supports students pursuing post–high school degrees and careers in horticulture and related fields, including landscape professionals, arborists, landscape architecture, and research. Scholarships are awarded annually to qualified applicants who demonstrate financial need and academic readiness. Applicants must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and may reapply in subsequent years if they remain eligible. All scholarship applications are submitted on an annual cycle with a deadline in January.
Description: Annual scholarship programs that create pathways for education, experience, and leadership in the horticultural industry.
Eligibility: Applicants must meet program-specific criteria and hold at least a 2.5 GPA; award recipients may reapply each year.
Application Timeline: Applications open annually and are due in January; follow each scholarship’s instructions for specific requirements.
- Annual, merit- and need-based scholarships for horticulture-related study.
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required for all applicants.
- Common January deadline for scholarship submissions.
James S. Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund
This scholarship honors James Davis, founder of Davis Tree Farm and an active FNGA member, by supporting students pursuing horticulture-related education in Florida. The fund aims to encourage local talent to enter and lead within the horticulture and landscape industries. Awards vary by application and range in value to support tuition, training, or other education-related expenses.
Description: Scholarship established in memory of James S. Davis to support Florida-based students in horticulture and related fields.
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate students attending a community college, university, or technical institution within the state of Florida.
Award Value: Awards typically range from $500 to $3,000 and vary by individual applications.
- Named memorial scholarship for Florida undergraduates.
- Award amounts are need- and merit-based, typically $500–$3,000.
- Supports students enrolled full time at in-state institutions.
General Application Fund
The General Application Fund is supported by contributions from industry members to provide broad scholarship opportunities through NHF. It is intended to reach a diverse pool of students, including both graduate and out-of-state undergraduate applicants. Award amounts are determined per application to address varying financial needs.
Description: General scholarship fund backed by industry donations to support students across multiple education levels and locations.
Eligibility: Full-time graduate students, and undergraduates attending community colleges, universities, or technical institutions outside of Florida.
Award Value: Awards typically range from $500 to $3,000 and vary by individual applications.
- Funded by industry contributions to NHF.
- Open to graduates and out-of-state undergraduates per eligibility rules.
- Award amounts vary to meet applicant needs.
Hoskin/McDougald Scholarship Fund
The Hoskin/McDougald Scholarship commemorates the contributions of Bob Hoskins and Sandy McDougald and is funded by the Palm Beach Chapter of FNGLA and industry supporters. The fund focuses on educating future industry professionals from specific South Florida counties. It aims to invest in local talent and strengthen the regional horticulture workforce.
Description: Scholarship established by the Palm Beach Chapter of FNGLA to honor Bob Hoskins and Sandy McDougald and support regional students.
Eligibility: Applicants must have resided for at least one year in Palm Beach, Broward, Okeechobee, Martin, St. Lucie, or Indian River County.
- Regional scholarship honoring long-time industry contributors.
- Residency within specified counties for a minimum of one year is required.
- Funded by local chapter members and industry donors.
FNGLA NE Chapter Scholarship — "Billy Barwald Memorial Scholarship"
The Billy Barwald Memorial Scholarship, established by the Northeast Chapter of FNGLA, recognizes Billy Barwald’s decades of service to the horticultural industry and his legacy as a landscape architect and business owner. The scholarship awards one student per year to support their horticultural education and encourage future industry leadership. The award reinforces the chapter’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of professionals in the region.
History of the Award: Created in 2016 to honor Billy Barwald’s lifelong contributions to horticulture, landscapes, and the FNGLA organization.
Eligibility: Applicants must reside in St. Johns, Duval, Clay, Nassau, or Baker County, and the intended college must be in Florida.
Award Value: The scholarship awards one student $2,500 annually.
- Memorial scholarship established by the FNGLA Northeast Chapter.
- Specific county residency and in-state college attendance required.
- Single annual award of $2,500 supports one student per year.
Taking Root Scholarship — Arborjet | Ecologel
The Taking Root Scholarship supports students enrolled in accredited arboriculture or horticulture programs with a demonstrated interest in plant health care and applied science. Ideal candidates show a commitment to community engagement and a focus on plant pathology, entomology, chemistry related to invasive species, arboriculture, urban forestry, or landscape architecture. The scholarship provides targeted support to encourage careers that advance plant healthcare and industry innovation.
Description: Scholarship for students pursuing arboriculture or plant health care education with an emphasis on science and technology.
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduates with a clear desire to pursue a career in arboriculture or plant health care and evidence of prior community engagement.
Award Value: The program awards one student $2,500 annually.
- Focused on arboriculture, plant health care, and related scientific study.
- Full-time undergraduate status and a demonstrated career interest required.
- Single annual award of $2,500 to support education and professional development.