A Program That Opens Doors
Discover mentors, industry leaders, real-world experiences, and full access to the horticulture industry’s biggest event through the HortScholar program designed by AmericanHort for students.
Everything You Need to Develop Your Career
The HortScholar program gives recipients an introduction to the industry that goes beyond the classroom. Recipients gain real-world insights into career pathways, supply chain, and industry opportunities through professional development sessions, networking, and mentorships.
As a scholarship recipient, students will:
- Build professional skills, career confidence, and industry connections
- Attend educational and hands-on learning opportunities
- Receive an All-Access Pass to Cultivate, the horticultural industry’s premiere event, including lodging and meals
- Work with AmericanHort staff and volunteers to participate in Cultivate set-up and experience how the industry’s premiere trade show and conference is conducted
- Engage in team building opportunities and networking during Cultivate
- Showcase expertise by presenting to industry leaders and peers
- Connect with industry mentors
- Enjoy a one-year AmericanHort Student membership
While the HortScholar program is not a traditional scholarship where you receive money toward tuition, it offers significant benefits and helps students turn passion into career advancement while building confidence and connections to succeed.
Meet The HortScholars
Testimonial
How It Works
AmericanHort will accept applications for the 2026 HortScholar program from December 1, 2025, through January 2026. Here are specific program details:
Eligibility Requirements
- Students currently studying at any North American institution pursuing degrees or certificates in ornamental horticulture, floriculture, or related fields, whether as part of an undergraduate, graduate or two-year program
- International students currently studying at any North American institution are welcome to apply
- Students graduating in the spring of the application year are still eligible to apply for the HortScholars program
Program Requirements
HortScholar recipients benefit from attending Cultivate in several ways, and the cost of the pass, hotel and meals are part of the scholarship. In return, students are asked to:
- Participate in virtual meetings with AmericanHort prior to attending Cultivate
- Assist the AmericanHort team and volunteers set up for Cultivate
- Attend Cultivate and the education sessions offered during the event
- Participate in planning networking opportunities and other activities at the event
- Prepare and deliver a five-minute presentation on a topic of choice
- Participate in student-led panel discussions
- Attend Cultivate and all planned HortScholar activities for the entirety of the event
- Plan and secure own travel arrangements to and from Columbus, Ohio
How to Apply
Students interested in applying need to submit all necessary items by the application deadline, which include:
- Complete the entire application form
- Provide responses to the open-ended questions
- Submit a resume, which needs to include work experience, club and extra-curricular involvements, volunteer experience, and any awards or recognition received
- Submit two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts are not required
Selection Process
A review committee, comprised of the AmericanHort GenerationNext Community Connectors, staff, and board members ultimately selects approximately six students per year. All applicants are reviewed, and the committee identifies strong candidates who demonstrate:
- Leadership
- Initiative
- Commitment to studies
Applicants are reviewed and finalists are selected based on:
- Academic achievements
- Passion for horticulture
- Potential contributions to industry
Applicants are reviewed and finalists are selected based on:
- Academic achievements
- Passion for horticulture
- Potential contributions to industry
Finalists in the selection process are notified and will have to:
- Submit a brief video (approximately one-minute long) answering a final question posed by the selection committee
- Finalists are encouraged to highlight creativity and personality in the video
