South Dakota Nursery and Landscape Association Scholarship

Name: South Dakota Nursery and Landscape Association Scholarship

Award Amount: Varies (typically $500–$2,000 depending on available funding and applicant qualifications)

Information And Eligibility:
The South Dakota Nursery and Landscape Association (SDNLA) Scholarship is designed to support students pursuing careers in horticulture, landscape design, arboriculture, turf management, greenhouse operations, and related agricultural or environmental fields. This scholarship reflects the Association’s commitment to developing the next generation of green-industry professionals who will contribute to the beauty, sustainability, and economic vitality of South Dakota’s natural and built environments.

The SDNLA recognizes that horticulture and landscape careers require a blend of scientific knowledge, hands-on skill, artistic design ability, and environmental stewardship. As the industry continues to evolve—with a growing emphasis on native plants, climate-appropriate landscaping, soil health, ecological restoration, and sustainable maintenance practices—the need for well-trained professionals is greater than ever. This scholarship helps ease the financial burden for students preparing for these careers, enabling them to focus on coursework, applied learning, and industry experience.

This award is ideal for students who have demonstrated interest through high school agricultural programs, FFA or 4-H involvement, work experience at nurseries or garden centers, greenhouse operations, landscaping jobs, or personal projects such as gardening, plant propagation, lawn care, or design work. The SDNLA values applicants who show curiosity, creativity, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to contributing positively to South Dakota’s horticulture and landscape industries.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a high school senior, undergraduate student, or technical college student pursuing a degree or certificate in horticulture, landscape architecture, nursery management, turf management, arboriculture, greenhouse management, or a related field.
• Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited college, university, or technical institution.
• Must demonstrate genuine interest in the green industry through coursework, employment, volunteer experience, or extracurricular involvement.
• South Dakota residency is strongly preferred; however, non-residents planning to work in South Dakota’s nursery or landscape sector may also be considered.
• Must show academic promise and a clear commitment to a future career in horticulture or landscape-related fields.

Application Requirements:

• Complete the official SDNLA Scholarship application form.
• Submit high school or college transcripts demonstrating academic performance.
• Provide at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher, employer, or industry professional familiar with your work ethic and interest in horticulture or landscaping.
• Submit a personal essay (typically 500–700 words) describing your interest in the green industry, your career goals, and the experiences that led you to pursue this path.
• Optional but encouraged: Provide a résumé outlining relevant work experience, certifications (such as pesticide applicator or landscaping credentials), volunteer projects, FFA/4-H leadership roles, or related accomplishments.
• Optional portfolio items such as plant propagation samples, garden designs, landscape plans, or photographs of horticultural projects may strengthen an application.

Deadline: Varies annually; applicants should check the South Dakota Nursery and Landscape Association website for updated deadlines.

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