AmericanHort seeks applicants for 2021 HortScholars program

Per a press release, AmericanHort is accepting applications for the 2021 HortScholar program.

Applicants must be “students enrolled in a horticulture-related program at any level,” per the release, and must apply by March 1.

HortScholars will spend several days on-site volunteering with set up, learning, and networking at Cultivate’21, scheduled for July 10-13 in Columbus. They will also attend meeting with industry leaders, attend and learn from education sessions, network and present on a horticulture topic of their choice.

“The HortScholar program allowed me to pull up a chair with industry leaders and begin to see a future at that table," said Marcus Jansen, 2019 HortScholar alumni, “I've known that horticulture is where I'm meant to be, but the HortScholars Program exposed me to the opportunities, connected me to the people, and inspired me to take the next step." Jansen is currently a graduate student at Iowa State University who has interned at Ball FloraPlant, The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University and other locations.

“The HortScholar program not only benefits the HortScholars themselves but also the industry at large by connecting these rising stars with the broader industry at Cultivate each year,” said Daniel Greenwell, Community Coordinator for the AmericanHort GenerationNext Connector Group, “The massive amount of industry exposure and targeted networking that the HortScholars experience at Cultivate each year that they may not otherwise receive in the classroom, helps boost their confidence and sense of place in the industry and in turn prepares them to be a better contributor to the industry moving forward in their careers.”

Applications to the HortScholar program are reviewed by each member of the AmericanHort GenerationNext Community. Finalists will be chosen to provide a short video, then six students will be chosen for the 2021 HortScholar program. Learn more and apply at AmericanHort.org/Scholars. Questions about the program should be directed to Katie Gustafson, a marketing communication specialist at AmericanHort.