AmericanHort Accepting Applications for the 2021 HortScholar Program

COLUMBUS, OH – AmericanHort is accepting applications for the 2021 HortScholar program from students enrolled in a horticulture-related program at any degree level. Applications will be accepted at AmericanHort.org/Scholars until March 1, 2021.

The HortScholar program is a unique experience designed to help students in horticulture create long-lasting industry connections, find future jobs and internships, and experience some of the most exciting aspects of the industry. HortScholars will spend several days on-site volunteering with set up, learning, and networking at Cultivate’21, being held July 10-13 in Columbus, Ohio. They will attend facilitated meetings with industry leaders, learn in education sessions, present on a horticulture topic of their choice, and network at various social events.

“The HortScholar program allowed me to pull up a chair with industry leaders and begin to see a future at that table,” said Marcus Jansen, 2019 HortScholar alumni, “I’ve known that horticulture is where I’m meant to be, but the HortScholars Program exposed me to the opportunities, connected me to the people, and inspired me to take the next step.”

Applications for the HortScholar program come from high-caliber students across the nation in top-level horticulture programs. Majors ranged from genetics to landscape design, and greenhouse management to horticultural sales. AmericanHort is proud to invest in these students and the long-term health of the horticulture industry.

“The HortScholar program not only benefits the HortScholars themselves but also the industry at large by connecting these rising stars with the broader industry at Cultivate each year,” said Daniel Greenwell, Community Coordinator for the AmericanHort GenerationNext Connector Group, “The massive amount of industry exposure and targeted networking that the HortScholars experience at Cultivate each year that they may not otherwise receive in the classroom, helps boost their confidence and sense of place in the industry and in turn prepares them to be a better contributor to the industry moving forward in their careers.”

Applications to the HortScholar program are reviewed by each member of the AmericanHort GenerationNext Community. Finalists will be chosen to provide a short video, then six students will be chosen for the 2021 HortScholar program. Learn more at AmericanHort.org/Scholars.

Questions about the 2021 HortScholar Program? Contact Katie Gustafson at KatieG@AmerianHort.org for more information.