Shinoda Foundation to open 2016-17 scholarship applications

Aspiring growers, retailers, florists and horticulturists have the opportunity to qualify for educational support from their future industry, as the Shinoda Foundation will begin accepting applications for its 2016-17 scholarships in mid January.

“We’re here to open doors for future horticulturists,” says Bob Otsuka, Shinoda Foundation president. “Whatever career they choose within our industry, we’re dedicated to setting them on the path to success.”

Named in honor of California floral industry pioneer Joseph Shinoda, the awards recognize high-performing students of floriculture and related fields. Each year, the foundation awards the prestigious Shinoda Foundation Scholarships, including its highest honor, the Shinoda Scholar of the Year. In recent years, the Foundation expanded the awards, recognizing exceptional floral design students with the Shinoda Design Center Scholarship and the Jimmy Shinoda Memorial Scholarship, which supports California community colleges in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties.

Starting in mid-January 2016, college students planning careers in floriculture and related fields can visit www.shinodascholarship.org to download applications and detailed information on the 2016-2017 scholarships. To be considered for the Shinoda scholarships, students must complete and return applications by March 30, 2016. The Foundation will announce winners early in the summer.