Undergraduate Scholarships

Sponsor: Endowment established by Bud and Milly Brehob​
Eligible Applicants: Current in-state students as defined by the University for students enrolled in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture in the University's College of Agriculture. 

Sponsor: The C.L. Burkholder Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund
Eligible Applicants: Current horticulture students interested in pomology, but any horticulture student may be eligible.

Sponsor: The REA Scholarship recognizes a student at the Sophomore moving to Junior level who shows the highest achievement in the broad array of skills necessary to contribute in professional practice.  The REA scholarship winner is extremely well-rounded and will be an asset to the professional firm that they join.  The scholarship is provided by a generous bequest from Rundell Ernstberger Associates in Indianapolis.
Eligible Applicants: ​Landscape architecture students. 

Sponsor: An endowment established in March 1992 by Mrs. Mary Torr Fuller in memory of her late husband, Robert L. Fuller, B.S. 52, M.S. 62 who served as Regional Extension Horticulturist based in Terre Haute, Indiana with responsibilities for the fruit industry.
Eligible Applicants: Current horticulture juniors who are U. S. citizens with a GPA maintained at 3.35 or above at the end of the sixth semester. Demonstration of the greatest contribution to the activities and programs sponsored by the Department of Horticulture and Landscape.

Sponsor: The Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association in memory of Henry W. Gilbert.​
Eligible Applicants: Current juniors and seniors majoring in landscape architecture or one of the landscape horticulture concentrations. 
Selection Criteria: ​Students are nominated by the Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Faculty.  Final selections are made following interviews with a committee of the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association.

Sponsor: A trust fund established by the estate of former Department Head Laurenz Greene.
Eligible Applicants: Incoming freshmen in horticulture.

Sponsor: A trust fund established by the estate of former Department Head Laurenz Greene.
Eligible Applicants: Continuing students in horticulture.
Selection Criteria: Outstanding students in horticulture.  Must have completed College of Agriculture online scholarship application on file. ​​  

Sponsor: An endowment established in May 2010 by Helen Grenard in honor and memory of her late husband, Robert S. Grenard (BS 1951, Ag).  Bob worked for the Horticulture Department from January 1954 until March 1986.
Eligible Applicants: Current Horticulture undergraduates.  Academic Merit.

Sponsor: Howard County Master Gardener Association
Eligible Applicants: Full-time horticulture or landscape architecture student from Howard County who is completing his/her sophomore year with a GPA maintained at 2.50 or above. 

Sponsor: Laporte County Master Gardener Association​
Eligible Applicants: Full-time horticulture or landscape architecture student who is a US citizen from LaPorte County, Indiana who is completing his/her sophomore year with a GPA maintained at 2.5 or above.​

Sponsor: An endowment established in memory of the McCarty Family.​
Eligible Applicants: Current sophomore or junior with a 2.50 to 3.00 GPA, showing professional potential in commercial horticulture through summer work or co-op experiences.​

Sponsor: Michiana Master Gardeners Association
Eligible Applicants: Full-time horticulture student in good academic standing from Elkhart County who is completing his/her sophomore year.​​

Sponsor: Named in honor of Don Molnar, Professor Emeritus of LA and originator of our Co-Operative Internship Program, the Molnar Scholarship is awarded to a student who has made the most substantial contribution to the design firm in which they worked while away on Co-op.
Eligible Applicants: Landscape Architecture majors who have successfully completed the landscape architecture co-op program and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.​
Selection Criteria: Recipients are identified by the Landscape Architecture faculty and the students co-op employer as exhibiting the potential to become an outstanding landscape architect. ​​ ​

Sponsor: An endowment established in 2004 in the memory of Mrs. Betty Polanka.
Eligible Applicants: Current completed horticulture juniors and seniors who are Indiana residents.  Interest in horticulture science with a preference for students exhibiting an interest in floral and garden development.​

Sponsor: Dr. Terrance P. Riordan and Dr. Judy S. Riordan.
Eligible Applicants: ​Undergraduate students enrolled in the College of Agriculture, in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Preference is given to students participating in the Turf Management Program.​

Sponsor: An endowment established by the Muriel Rumsey Trust.
Eligible Applicants: Incoming and continuing students in horticulture.​

Sponsor: Endowment from Beverly Slack on behalf of herself and family members in memory of Max E. Slack.
Eligible Applicants: Current turf science students with a minimum GPA of 2.65.​

Sponsor: Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association, Inc.​
Eligible Applicants: High school graduate from Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh, or Warrick county in the state of Indiana. Enrolled as a full-time student majoring in horticulture or a related field in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture.​

Sponsor: Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association, Inc.​
Eligible Applicants: Incoming freshman from Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh, or Warrick county in the state of Indiana. Enrolled as a full-time student majoring in horticulture or a related field in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Based on financial need.
Selection Criteria: Must have completed College of Agriculture online scholarship application and FAFSA on file.​​

Sponsor: An endowment established by the Warren family in memory of Dr. Fred Warren.
Eligible Applicants: Rising juniors or seniors, who have expressed interest in horticulture production and/or pest management with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Demonstrated contribution and leadership to the activities and programs sponsored by the Horticulture and Landscape Architecture.

Sponsor: An endowment established by Benjamin F. and Ona V. Wolfe.
Eligible Applicants: Current students in Landscape Architecture. Combination of academic performance and financial need.​
Selection Criteria: Must have completed College of Agriculture online scholarship application and FAFSA on file. ​

Sponsor: Barry Levitt
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate students majoring in Horticulture and Turfgrass Sciences.

Sponsor: Peter R. Verdicchio and Marcynda S. Verdicchio award is given to a top achieving student who demonstrate the highest level of design work after completion of the spring semester Landscape Architecture Design studio course in their junior year, focused on Community Design.
Eligible Applicants: Students enrolled in Landscape Architecture. Award recipient be the top achieving student who demonstrate the highest level of design work after completion of the spring semester Landscape Architecture Design studio course in their junior year.

Sponsor: Bob and Susan Shaw.
Eligible Applicants: Students majoring in Turfgrass Management and Science. Minimum GPA 2.5/4.0.

Sponsor: In 1984, The Midwest Regional Turf Foundation (MRTF) created its first endowment at Purdue University to honor the legacy of Purdue’s first turf professor, Dr. William H. (Doc) Daniel. Its purpose is to honor Dr. Daniel through research or scholarship support for deserving undergraduate and graduate students in the Purdue Turf Program.
Eligible Applicants: Students enrolled in the Turfgrass Management and Science program.

Sponsor: Tippecanoe County Master Gardener Association.
Eligible Applicants: Consideration given to non-traditional students. Evidence of leadership and involvement in student professional organization and evidence of creativity and enthusiasm for student's major.

Sponsor: Virginia Jones was a longtime leader in The Garden Club of Indiana, Inc.
Eligible Applicants: Recipients must be an Indiana resident.

Sponsor: Lee and Jean Schmidt
Eligible Applicants: Enrolled in the Turfgrass Science Program based on financial need.
Selection Criteria: Must have completed College of Agriculture online scholarship application and FAFSA on file. ​

Sponsor: Available through the generosity of Alumnus Doug Hoerr, the scholarship recognizes a student who in their progression of planting and design courses shows the highest achievement in the skillful use of plant materials in their work.
Eligible Applicants: Student finishing the Junior year.

Sponsor: Morgan County Master Gardener Association.
Eligible Applicants: Recipient must be a Junior or Senior. Preference given to Morgan County, Indiana residents. Secondary consideration for residents of Brown, Johnson, Marion, Monroe, Owen and Putnam Counties, Indiana. Must have GPA of 2.8/4.0 or higher.

Sponsor: Lake County Master Gardener Association.
Eligible Applicants: Preference given to Lake County, Indiana residents. Secondary consideration for residents of surrounding counties in Indiana.

Sponsor: The Garden Club of Indiana, Inc.
Eligible Applicants: Applicant must be an Indiana resident and full-time Horticulture or Landscape Architecture student. Applicant will be a junior, senior, fifth year or graduate student during the next academic year, the year the scholarship is received.
Selection Criteria: Personal letter by applicant should discuss background, career goals, financial need, and commitment to chosen field of study. Not to exceed two typed pages. Extra-curricular activities and/or honors received and letters of recommendation.
Essay Required: No

Sponsor: Indianapolis Landscape Association
Essay Required: No

• The scholarship is available to any second-year student or greater in a bachelor’s program or first year student in an associate program with a Landscape Architecture or Horticulture related major. Graduate students and students on co-op or internships are eligible.
• You can apply for the scholarship as a second-year student as long as you are in your third year when the scholarship money is awarded
• It is up to the committee to decide if there should be more than one winner in a given year, however there will always be a clear “Frits” winner who could be awarded up to $6,000. In 2019 as an example, the scholarship committee decided to give four scholarships totaling $10,000 dollars, one of which was the “Frits” winner at $5,000.
• Once a student has been awarded with the “Frits” scholarship they are no longer eligible to win a second time. Students winning a lesser amount or those students unsuccessful can re-apply.
  It is not necessary to provide letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, family members, etc…unless you feel the letter will greatly increase your chances to win the scholarship.
• Maintaining good grades are important to us. But as you can see from our application, we only require a “C” average. To clarify, our committee will look at your grades. But, a higher GPA by one applicant will not be weighed any higher than an applicant with a “C” average.
• Approximately five finalists will be chosen. A group of at least 3 ILA board members will choose the finalists and will conduct personal interviews prior to choosing the winning candidate.
• The committee will be looking for well rounded, honest, hardworking individuals who demonstrate dedication to their school and their major. In the essay portion we would like to hear why you feel you are deserving of the scholarship. Any interesting information you can research about Frits Loonsten is encouraged as well.
• Application deadline is April 1st. and we will announce the winner around the 1st. of June.
• There are three schools involved in the scholarship. (Purdue, Ball State, & Vincennes) Last year we had about 12 total applicants from all three schools combined. Given the historical participation, everyone has a good chance of becoming one of the five finalists that will be chosen to interview with our ILA Scholarship Committee.
• Payments are awarded in 2 installments, 1/2 before the start of the Fall semester and the other half before the start of the Spring semester assuming the student is still enrolled in a Horticulture related major and has remained in good standing.
• If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me (see below).

Essay Required: No

Awards are open to Purdue University, Turf Science students. Awards are based on academic excellence, leadership, citizenship, and extra-curricular activities (e.g. involvement in the Purdue Turf Club-Collegiate Quiz Bowl teams) along with criteria specific to each scholarship.

Midwest Regional Turf Foundation (MRTF) Scholarships:

• Max E Slack Turf Management Scholarship
• Bill Daniel Memorial Scholarship
• Midwest Regional Turf Foundation (MRTF) Scholarship
• Midwest Regional Turf Foundation (MRTF) Golf Day Scholarship
• Midwest Regional Turf Foundation (MRTF) Fassnacht Scholarship
• Lee and Jean Schmidt Scholarship
• Shaw Family Scholarship
• Judy and Terry Riordian Scholarship

Other Turf Scholarship Opportunities:

• Indiana Golf Course Manager Association Scholarships
• Hoosier Golf Course Superintendents Association

Sponsor: Hancock County Master Gardeners
Essay Required: No

Sponsor: Garden Club of America
Essay Required: No

Sponsor: Western Reserve Herb Society
Essay Required: Yes

Sponsor: American Floral Endowment
Essay Required: No

Sponsor: American Floral Endowment
Essay Required: No

Sponsor: Proven Winners
Essay Required: No

Proven Winners is looking to the future, and the future of our industry depends on the young people behind us. We want to assist and recognize the academic talent that exists across North America by presenting scholarships to students in both 4-year universities as well as community colleges and vocational schools.

• The Proven Winners Innovations in Plant Breeding Scholarship - $5,000
• The Proven Winners Innovations in Horticulture Marketing Scholarship - $5,000
• The Proven Winners Grower Excellence Scholarship - $5,000
• Proven Winners Scholarships for Technical or 2 year Post-Secondary Students - Five Scholarships, $2,000 each

Sponsor: Joseph Shinoda Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Inc.
Essay Required: No

Each year, scholarships are awarded by the Foundation to undergraduate students specializing in some phase of FLORICULTURE. The object of the awards is to encourage good students to enter the domestic floriculture field; therefore, applicants should intend to work in some phase of COMMERCIAL FLORICULTURE in the United States after graduation.

Sponsor: INLA
Essay Required: No

INLA’s scholarship fund, the Indiana Nursery Endowment Fund, awards scholarships up to $10,000 each year to one or more full-time students enrolled in horticulture or landscape horticulture related classes at either Vincennes University or Purdue University.

Scholarship recipients receive half the award in their freshman year and the second half of the award their sophomore year providing they are still enrolled in horticulture or landscape horticulture related classes at either Vincennes University or Purdue University and have achieved a “C” grade average.

Sponsor: Horticultural Research Institute
Eligible Applicants: Varies. Some scholarships are specific to residents of certain states.
Essay Required: No

The Horticultural Research Institute believes in helping students obtain the education necessary to successfully pursue horticultural careers. Our generous donors have created seven scholarship opportunities for students to support their academic journey. Backing motivated students today plays a vital role in protecting and growing the industry tomorrow.

Sponsor: Hamilton County Master Gardener Association (HCMGA)
Essay Required: Yes

The Hamilton County Master Gardener Association (HCMGA) awards annually the Barney Hobbs Memorial Horticultural Scholarship. Barney Hobbs was a founding member of the HCMGA who possessed a strong
volunteer spirit. Scholarships in the amount of $3000 each pay tribute to Mr. Hobbs and his many horticultural accomplishments.

Sponsor: Landscape Architecture Foundation
Eligible Applicants: Eligible candidates are undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada. Additional requirements vary by scholarship/fellowship.
Essay Required: No

More than $150,000 is available for the 2023-24 academic year through 16 different scholarships. Eligible candidates are undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada. Additional requirements vary by scholarship.

LAF is now accepting scholarship applications.

Each scholarship/fellowship has a webpage, which details its purpose, criteria, and application requirements. Students are strongly encouraged to prepare application materials specific to the award being sought. (Using the exact same materials to apply to multiple scholarships is usually unsuccessful, since any required essays, work samples, etc. should address the intent of each award.) Winners are chosen through a competitive process by leading academics and practitioners in landscape architecture.

Sponsor: American Floral Endowment
Eligible Applicants: Any student who is a U.S. citizen and currently enrolled in a Floriculture/Environmental Horticulture program at a 2 or 4-year college or university in the United States. Any student maintaining a "C" or better GPA.
Essay Required: Yes

Awarding scholarships for floriculture and horticulture students is a primary function of AFE. We understand the financial burden students face and are doing our part to help!

AFE has more than 30 scholarships awarded annually to assist students pursuing a career in horticulture or floriculture. Online applications and supporting documents are due by May 1 each year.

Scholarships are available for students in marketing/sales, agribusiness, floral design, greenhouse production, ornamental horticulture, integrated pest management, floriculture research/education, and more.

Sponsor: Illinois Landscape Contractors Association
Eligible Applicants: Applicant must be an Illinois resident and enrolled in full-time or part-time accredited 2 or 4 year college horticultural-related program with course work toward a degree in a horticultural-related program.
Essay Required: No

Seven college scholarships are available for 2024:

• One $10,000 Scholarship
• Two $5,000 Scholarships
• Four $2,500 Scholarships

Five high school senior scholarships are available for 2024:

• Five $1,000 Scholarships