HRI awards scholarships to support future horticulture workforce

The Horticultural Research Institute awarded $62,000 in scholarships during the 2025-2026 academic year to support students pursuing horticulture-related degrees across the United States.

The program provided funding to 18 students preparing for careers in areas including greenhouse production, nursery operations, plant breeding, landscape architecture and horticultural business.

Industry leaders say scholarships are part of a broader effort to address workforce shortages and support the next generation of professionals entering the green industry.

Several recipients plan to work directly in greenhouse and nursery production. Ella May, recipient of the Timothy S. and Palmer W. Bigelow Jr. Scholarship, is pursuing a career in greenhouse production with a focus on science-based growing practices. Landon Erbrick, recipient of the Dennis and Harriet Walters Memorial Scholarship, is studying advanced horticulture with plans to work in commercial greenhouse and nursery operations.

Some students are preparing to support family businesses. James Hines IV, a horticulture student at Tennessee Tech and recipient of the John B. and Elizabeth Wight Memorial Scholarship, said, “My goal is to honor my family’s legacy by modernizing our business practices and introducing more sustainable solutions for the future.”

Other scholarship recipients are pursuing careers in plant breeding, marketing and sales within the horticulture sector.

The scholarship program is funded through several endowed funds supported by industry donors, including the Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship, Bryan A. Champion Memorial Scholarship, Gunter Mecking Memorial Scholarship and the Spring Meadow Proven Winners Scholarship.

Industry leaders say continued investment in workforce development will remain critical as horticulture businesses face growing operational and labor challenges.

Applications for the 2026–2027 HRI Scholarship Program open March 1.