Scholarships available for students seeking a career in horticulture

$27,000 in scholarship support is available through the HRI Scholarship Program for this school year.


These scholarships are made possible through endowed funds that aid students seeking a career in horticulture. The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), these donor firms and individuals, consider graduating students in horticulture to be the lifeblood of the green industry. Each scholarship has specific requirements and applications are due no later than Sept. 2, 2022.

  • The Timothy S. and Palmer W. Bigelow Jr. Scholarship is awarded to a student who is a resident of CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, or VT. Up to $3,000 available.
  • The Usrey Family Scholarship is awarded to a student attending a school in CA. Up to $1,000 available.
  • The Bryan A. Champion Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a student attending a school in OH. Up to $1,000 available.
  • The Susie & Bruce Usrey Scholarship is awarded to a student attending a school in CA. Up to $500 available.
  • The Spring Meadow Scholarship is awarded to students who are interested in a career in woody plant propagation, production, or breeding. Four scholarships up to $3,000 each are available.
  • The Mugget Scholarship is awarded to a student who plans to work in any aspect of the horticultural industry. Up to $1,500 available.
  • The Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a student who is a resident of MD, VA, or WV. Up to $5,000 available.
  • The Gunter Mecking Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a student who plans to work in any aspect of the horticultural industry. Up to $1,000 available.
  • The Wright Family of Alabama Scholarship is awarded to a horticultural student, with preference given to students studying or pursuing careers in ornamental greenhouse production. Up to $2,000 available.

More information about the scholarship requirements along with the online application can be accessed through this link: https://www.hriresearch.org/scholarship-application-and-resources.