Spring Meadow Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Horticulture Research Institute

Introduction HRI administers several distinct scholarship funds created by industry donors, each reflecting specific donor priorities. To streamline the process, HRI provides a single, common application that lets qualified students be evaluated for multiple scholarship opportunities with one submission. In addition, HRI collaborates with the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund so that eligible candidates can be considered for that scholarship using the same application form. What HRI Scholarships Support Industry donors supply HRI scholarships to encourage careers and work that advance these areas: - Nursery and greenhouse production - Landscape businesses - Garden retail operations - Ornamental plant breeding and propagation - Horticulture-related roles in business, sales, and supply chain - Applied research or extension activities that directly benefit environmental/ornamental horticulture Who Should Apply — Eligibility Overview While some individual funds may add further preferences or restrictions, all HRI scholarships share baseline eligibility criteria described below. Career Intent and Required Statement These scholarships are intended for students preparing to enter the environmental/ornamental horticulture sector. Competitive applicants clearly articulate a career path that leads to work in horticulture after graduation. Every applicant must submit a written statement explaining how they intend to contribute to and work within the horticulture industry; this statement is a primary element of evaluation and is heavily weighted in the review. Acceptable Degree Programs HRI funds are intended for students enrolled in horticulture or closely related programs. Commonly recognized horticulture degree programs include: - Horticulture - Horticultural Science - Nursery or Greenhouse Management/Production - Landscape Design, Construction, or Management - Ornamental Horticulture - Sustainable Horticulture Programs considered closely related may also qualify when applicants make a clear case that their studies apply directly to the horticulture industry. Examples of such programs include: - Plant Science - Plant Pathology - Landscape Architecture - Forestry - Business or Marketing (when directly tied to horticulture businesses or industry roles) Applicants in closely related majors must explicitly demonstrate how their coursework, experiences, and career goals will be practically applied within the horticulture field. Academic Criteria - Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.25 or higher. - GPA is reviewed as part of a holistic evaluation of the entire application. - Applicants must be enrolled as full-time students in good academic standing during the semester the scholarship is awarded and pursuing one of the following degree levels: - Undergraduate: Associate or Bachelor’s degree - Graduate: Master’s or Doctoral degree Note: Individual scholarship funds may indicate preferred or prioritized degree levels; unless a fund specifically excludes certain levels, students at the degree levels listed above are eligible. Geographic Requirement Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited institution located in the United States. Some scholarship funds may include additional geographic preferences or requirements based on factors such as: - Applicant residency - Location of the educational institution If a specific fund has geographic restrictions or preferences, those will be indicated in the fund’s criteria.