Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Horticulture Research Institute
Overview
The Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship was created in 2002 by the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show, Inc. (MANTS) to honor the legacy of Carville M. Akehurst, one of MANTS’ founding figures. Mr. Akehurst devoted more than thirty years as Executive Vice‑President of MANTS and also served as Executive Secretary for several horticultural organizations, including the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association; the Maryland Nurserymen's Association Horticulture Research Foundation; Maryland Christmas Tree Growers; the American Conifer Society; and the Maryland Greenhouse Growers' Association.
MANTS — an organization formed by the state nursery and landscape associations of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia — established this award in partnership with the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI). The scholarship reflects MANTS’ conviction that strong education is essential to the long‑term health of the horticulture profession and aims to support students whose training will help sustain the nursery and landscape industry.
Award
- One scholarship is offered, with a maximum value of $5,000.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a resident of Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia. (Enrolling at a school inside these states is not required.)
- Be enrolled in an accredited two‑year or four‑year institution in an undergraduate or graduate program in landscape, horticulture, or a closely related field.
- Be in good academic standing and carry a full‑time course load both at the time of application and during any semesters covered by the scholarship award.
- Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their major (4.0 scale).
- Have achieved at least junior status in a four‑year program, or senior status in a two‑year program, as of the fall semester in the year they apply.
- Preference is given to applicants who intend to pursue careers in the horticulture industry after graduation (examples include nursery operations; landscape architecture, design, construction, or maintenance; interiorscaping; horticultural distribution; and retail garden center work).
- Previous recipients of the Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship are eligible to apply again and may receive additional funding.