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| Quick Facts | Details |
| Award Name: | Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship |
| Host Sponsor / Organization: | Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS) & Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) |
| Eligible Nationalities: | US Citizens & Legal Permanent Residents |
| Target Student Level: | Undergraduate (2-Year & 4-Year Institutions) & Graduate Students |
| Financial Coverage: | Up to $5,000 per award cycle (Varies per funding year) |
| Minimum GPA Requirement: | 2.7 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale |
| Application Deadline: | May 31 (Annual) |
| Official Website: | https://www.hriresearch.org/scholarship-application-and-resources |
Overview & Value of the Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship
The Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship in USA was created in 2002 by the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show, Inc. (MANTS) in partnership with the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI). The grant honors the legacy of Carville M. Akehurst, a pioneering leader in the green industry who served as the Executive Vice President of MANTS for over three decades.
Designed to foster future talent within the nursery, environmental, and landscape sectors, the scholarship provides financial aid to students enrolled in accredited post-secondary programs. Individual award amounts reach up to $5,000. Award funds are disbursed directly to the recipient’s institution to cover tuition, books, and educational fees.
In addition to financial assistance, scholars join an elite network of green industry professionals, receiving recognition across regional trade associations and gaining exposure at MANTS events.
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Nationality & Residency Requirements
To qualify for consideration under the Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship US citizen requirements, candidates must meet specific geographic and citizenship standards:
- Citizenship Standards: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or lawful permanent residents.
- International Students: Regarding Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship international student requirements, non-immigrant foreign students on temporary visas (such as F-1 or J-1) are ineligible for this award.
- Geographic Residency: Candidates must be legal residents of one of the three MANTS sponsoring states: Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia. Attendance at an institution within these specific states is not mandatory, allowing eligible residents to study out-of-state.
Academic & GPA Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must satisfy clear academic criteria focused on green industry disciplines:
- Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship GPA requirement: Applicants must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale.
- Approved Majors & Fields: Open to students pursuing degrees in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Landscape Contracting, Floriculture, Plant Science, Greenhouse Management, or closely related agricultural sciences.
- Student Status & Level: Open to full-time undergraduate students enrolled in two-year associate or four-year bachelor’s degree programs, as well as graduate students.
- West Virginia undergraduate scholarships and grants service commitment: While no formal post-graduation service contract is mandated, preference is shown to candidates demonstrating a strong commitment to working within the nursery, greenhouse, or landscape professions in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Application Materials Needed
Applicants must assemble a comprehensive application package through the HRI central scholarship portal prior to the Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship application deadline:
- Online HRI Universal Scholarship Application Form: Submitted electronically via the HRI web portal.
- Official Transcripts: Academic transcripts showing coursework and cumulative GPA.
- Professional Resume: Detailing academic history, green industry work experience, internships, and extracurricular activities.
- Career Statement Essay: A written personal essay outlining your educational goals, passion for horticulture, and long-term career aspirations.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: At least one letter must come from an academic advisor or professor, with the second submitted by a professional employer or mentor.
Step-by-Step How to Apply
- Verify Your State Residency: Confirm that your legal residence is in Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia.
- Access the HRI Portal: Visit the Horticultural Research Institute online scholarship portal (
hriresearch.org) when the cycle opens on March 1. - Complete the General Application: Fill out the universal HRI application, which automatically matches you with the Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship fund.
- Draft Your Career Essay: Write a personal essay detailing your dedication to the landscape and nursery industry.
- Collect Supporting Documentation: Upload your current resume, official transcripts, and request recommendation letters through the automated portal system.
- Submit Before the Deadline: Complete and submit your entire file prior to the annual Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship application deadline of May 31.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students apply for the Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship?
No, the scholarship is strictly limited to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents who hold official state residency in Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia.
Is the Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship renewable for all 4 years of undergraduate study?
Yes, past recipients can reapply for funding in subsequent academic cycles, provided they maintain a 2.7 cumulative GPA and stay enrolled full-time in an eligible horticulture or landscape degree program.
What is the minimum GPA required to qualify for the Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship?
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale on their official high school or college transcripts.
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