HRI Endowment Fund Scholarships

The HRI Endowment fund is composed of several scholarship funds that aid students who are seeking a lifelong career in horticulture. HRI and its member firms consider graduating students in horticulture to be the lifeblood of the industry. The individuals and firms who support this endowment are to be commended for their industry leadership.

Click here for a listing of the available scholarships

How To Apply

1. The application deadline is April 1 of each year. The application must be post marked no later than April 1. Applications received after this deadline will not be accepted. Are you emailing your application, cover letter and resume? Your email must be received no later than April 1 at 11:59 p.m.



2. Students must review each scholarship application to determine if they meet eligibility requirements.



3. There are 6 components to the scholarship application: the application document, cover letter, resume, 2 letters of recommendation, and the official transcript.



4. A student may apply for as many scholarships that he/she meets eligibility requirements. Students applying for more than one scholarship must submit a separate application for each scholarship including separate letters of recommendation, cover letter, and resume. Only one copy of a student's official transcript is needed.

Completing The Application

1. Application: The application is to be filled out by the student.



2. Cover letter: Remember these scholarships are for students with an interest in the green industry and the horticulture/landscape sector. It is important that we understand your goals and interests in relation to this discipline. Your cover letter should explain:
   
   
   • Experiences or factors that stimulated your interest in your present major.
   
   
   
   • Your plans after graduation.
   
   
   
   • How the scholarship will benefit your education and career goals.
   
   See eligibility requirements regarding the length of cover letter. Typically cover letters range from 1-3 pages.



3. Resume: One-page resume of your background, employment history and education.



4. Letter of recommendation: Each student must have 2 letters of recommendation submitted to HRI. Letters of recommendation may come from a student's advisor, instructor, business associate or a combination. Letters of recommendation can, but do not need to use the sheet provided in the application document.
   
   Letters should include information on the student's potential to make significant contributions to the nursery and landscape industry, academic qualifications, and financial need if known.



5. Transcript: Submit a copy of your official transcript(s) of your grades from your registrar's office.



6. Awards: Awards are determined by August. Students will be notified by postal mail regarding their application status.



7. Please do not use staples. Paper clips are fine.

The Following Scholarships are Available:

Timothy Bigelow and Palmer W. Bigelow, Jr. Scholarship - 135KB

Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship - 76KB

Muggets Scholarship - 132KB

Spring Meadow Nursery Scholarship - 134KB

The Usrey Family Scholarship - 132KB

The applications are available as MS Word Files.

Other Scholarship Links

Southern Nursery Association

Fastweb (Free scholarship search engine)

American Floral Endowment

Department of Agriculture