HortScholars Program Now Taking Applications

Jennifer Zurko

The AmericanHort HortScholars program is now accepting applications through March 1, 2017. The HortScholars program is open to any student in a horticulture-related degree program and includes students pursuing any degree level, including associates, bachelors, masters or Ph.D.

HortScholars spend seven days in Columbus, Ohio, prior to and during Cultivate with paid-for meals, lodging and an all-access pass to Cultivate, as well as a one-year membership with AmericanHort. HortScholars experience the behind-the-scenes logistics of readying the Columbus Convention Center for Cultivate and have exclusive opportunities for in-depth discussions with industry leaders, including Ball Horticultural Company, Proven Winners, the AmericanHort Board of Directors and Dramm Corporation, among others. These meetings provide HortScholars with insights into industry history, as well as opportunities moving forward.

Since 2007, 58 students from across the world have participated. Twenty-two colleges and universities have been represented, showcasing the diversity of top-level horticulture programs. Each year, applications reflect vast variations in interests and passions. In 2016 alone, the HortScholars’ majors ranged from Horticulture Entrepreneurship to Landscape Management.

Sayde Heckman, 2016 HortScholar from the University of Missouri, shared, “Being a HortScholar has allowed me to make amazing professional connections, as well as some pretty awesome friends. My favorite experience at Cultivate was being able to present my Ignite presentation in front of my peers and the industry. Being able to speak on a topic that I am so passionate about reminded me how much I enjoy getting other people excited about horticulture. I cannot wait to attend Cultivate’17 and reconnect with all of the amazing people I met as a HortScholar.”

HortScholar alumni have gone on to do valuable research in the realm of plant genetics, green infrastructure and growing technology, while others have pushed the limits of how horticulture products are marketed and shared. Yet others go on to help manage and run family businesses, start businesses of their own or assume critical leadership roles in advancing the industry.

Students wishing to apply may do so online at AmericanHort.org/Scholars. A résumé and one letter of recommendation should also be submitted to Lauren Snyder at LaurenS@AmericanHort.org by the deadline. Companies interested in meeting with the HortScholars at Cultivate’17 are encouraged to email Lauren Snyder at LaurenS@AmericanHort.org. GT