Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Horticulture Research Institute

Description
The Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship supports students preparing for careers in the nursery and landscape profession. Created to honor a longtime MANTS leader, the fund encourages education that strengthens the horticulture industry. It was established through a partnership between the Mid‑Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS) and the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) to channel financial support to students whose studies apply directly to horticulture. The scholarship is intended to foster the next generation of industry professionals by reducing barriers to specialized education.

- Honors Carville M. Akehurst and supports horticulture career pathways
- Sponsored by MANTS in partnership with HRI
- Intended to strengthen the nursery and landscape profession through education
- Awards target students whose coursework and goals apply to horticulture

History of the Award
The scholarship was established in 2002 by the Mid‑Atlantic Nursery Trade Show, Inc. to commemorate Carville Akehurst’s decades of leadership in the horticulture community. Akehurst served more than 30 years as Executive Vice President of MANTS and played active leadership roles in state and national horticultural organizations. The fund reflects his conviction that education creates industry opportunity and longevity. MANTS continues to administer the scholarship to perpetuate his legacy.

- Founded in 2002 by MANTS
- Named for Carville Akehurst, longtime MANTS leader
- Reflects Akehurst’s belief in education as essential to the industry
- Ongoing commitment by MANTS to support horticulture students

Eligibility
The scholarship is intended primarily for students enrolled in horticulture and closely related degree programs; specific eligible majors are listed by the fund. Typical horticulture degrees include programs such as horticulture, horticultural science, nursery/greenhouse management, landscape design/construction/management, ornamental horticulture, and sustainable horticulture. Applicants in related fields (for example, plant science, plant pathology, landscape architecture, forestry, or business/marketing) may qualify if they clearly demonstrate a direct, practical application of their studies to the horticulture industry. Each applicant must explain how their coursework, experiences, and career plans align with horticulture to be considered.

- Primary focus: horticulture and directly related majors
- Common eligible programs: horticulture, nursery/greenhouse, landscape, ornamental, sustainable horticulture
- Closely related fields may qualify if relevance to horticulture is clearly demonstrated
- Applicants must articulate how their degree applies to the horticulture industry

Academic Requirements
Applicants must meet baseline academic standards and enrollment criteria at the time the scholarship is awarded. The minimum GPA requirement is 2.25, and GPA is evaluated as part of a holistic review of the entire application. Candidates must be enrolled full time and in good academic standing during the semester the award is granted. Eligible degree levels include associate and bachelor’s for undergraduate applicants, as well as master’s and doctoral levels for graduate applicants.

- Minimum GPA: 2.25 (evaluated within a holistic review)
- Must be a full‑time student in good academic standing during award semester
- Eligible degree levels: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
- GPA and other factors are considered together; individual funds may set priorities

Geographic Requirements
Applicants are required to be enrolled at an accredited institution located in the United States. Some scholarship funds may include additional geographic preferences or restrictions such as residency or institutional location, depending on the specific fund’s guidelines. Candidates should verify any geographic conditions tied to the specific scholarship fund they are applying to. Meeting institutional accreditation and location requirements is a baseline condition for eligibility.

- Enrollment must be at an accredited U.S. institution
- Some funds may impose residency or institution‑location preferences
- Verify geographic restrictions on the specific fund page or application
- Accreditation and U.S. location are baseline eligibility conditions

Award Value & Timeline
Award amounts and the application timeline are not uniform across all HRI/MANTS funds and can change from year to year. Specific award values, number of recipients, and application deadlines are published with each scholarship listing; applicants should consult the HRI and MANTS websites or the scholarship portal for current details. Because funds may prioritize different degree levels or regions, review fund descriptions carefully before applying. Expect variations in award size and timing and plan application materials accordingly.

- Award amounts and number of scholarships vary by fund and year
- Deadlines and timelines are posted with each scholarship listing
- Check HRI/MANTS websites or the scholarship portal for current details
- Fund descriptions indicate any priorities or restrictions

Application & Evaluation Notes
Applications are reviewed holistically, meaning reviewers consider academic record alongside demonstrated experience, goals, and how the applicant’s program applies to horticulture. GPA is an element of the review but not the sole deciding factor; narrative statements and evidence of practical application carry weight—especially for applicants in closely related fields. Because selection criteria and priorities can differ between funds, follow the guidance on the specific scholarship listing and ensure your application clearly links coursework and experience to horticulture. When in doubt, highlight practical experience, relevant coursework, and concrete career objectives tied to the industry.

- Applications evaluated holistically—not GPA alone
- Demonstrate practical application of degree, especially for related majors
- Follow fund‑specific guidelines and emphasize relevance to horticulture
- Highlight coursework, hands‑on experience, and clear career goals