Oregon Association of Nurseries Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Oregon Association of Nurseries

Description
The ONF scholarship program supports students preparing for careers in ornamental horticulture and related green-industry fields. It is a portfolio of awards administered by the ONF committee to invest in the next generation of industry professionals. Applications are reviewed each spring and recipients are selected based on demonstrated interest in horticulture, academic performance, and financial need.

Key takeaways
- **Purpose:** Support students entering ornamental horticulture and related fields.
- **Administration:** Awards managed and granted by the ONF scholarship committee.
- **Review cycle:** Selections are made annually in the spring.

Eligibility
Students actively preparing for careers in ornamental horticulture or related green-industry professions are eligible to apply. The program does not require applicants to target a particular named scholarship; a single application is considered for all awards within the program. Eligibility is determined by the committee’s review of each applicant’s stated career focus, academic record, and financial circumstances.

Key takeaways
- **Who can apply:** Students pursuing careers in ornamental horticulture or related fields.
- **Single application:** One application is considered for all available awards.
- **Committee discretion:** The committee decides eligibility and award assignments.

Award structure
The ONF program consists of 21 distinct scholarships sponsored by individuals and OAN chapters. Each award is funded by those sponsors but recipients are chosen centrally by the ONF committee. A complete list of the individual scholarships and sponsors is available on the program’s List of Scholarships page.

Key takeaways
- **Number of awards:** 21 distinct scholarships.
- **Sponsors:** Individual donors and OAN chapters fund the awards.
- **Where to find details:** See the List of Scholarships page for sponsor and award names.

Application timeline
The application window opens January 1, 2026, and closes in mid‑April; awards are determined the following spring. Applicants should review the program information before beginning the form to ensure they meet requirements and can submit all materials on time. Late or incomplete submissions may not be considered.

Key takeaways
- **Open date:** January 1, 2026.
- **Close date:** Mid‑April 2026 (final date posted on the application).
- **Decision timing:** Awards announced after the committee’s spring review.

Required application materials
Prepare the following documents and details before starting your application to avoid delays. You will need academic records, employment history, activities lists, a one‑page cover letter addressing specific points, and two current reference letters supporting your horticulture abilities or interests.

Key takeaways
- **High school information:** Name, address, cumulative GPA, SAT/ACT scores (if applicable), and a PDF of transcripts.
- **College information:** Institutional names and addresses, cumulative GPA, and PDF transcripts if you have college coursework.
- **Employment activity:** Employer names, addresses, phone numbers, and job responsibilities for the past three years.
- **Activities and honors:** List of clubs, offices held, awards, and relevant extracurricular involvement.
- **Cover letter:** One page that, in order, explains your future involvement in horticulture, describes financial need, and states any OAN affiliation.
- **References:** Two current letters that attest to your horticultural skills or interest.

Evaluation and selection
Applications are evaluated holistically with emphasis on career interests in horticulture, scholastic aptitude, and demonstrated financial need. The ONF scholarship committee reviews submitted materials and selects recipients at its sole discretion. Applicants are automatically considered for all awards for which they qualify; the committee assigns specific scholarships to chosen candidates.

Key takeaways
- **Evaluation criteria:** Career goals, academic performance, and financial need.
- **Selection authority:** The ONF committee has final discretion on awards.
- **Automatic consideration:** One submitted application will be reviewed for all applicable awards.

How to prepare
Start by collecting all required documents and asking references for letters well before the application opens. Draft the one‑page cover letter following the required order of topics and request official transcripts as PDF files to upload. Reviewing the List of Scholarships and preparing clear, concise explanations of financial need and horticultural goals will strengthen your submission.

Key takeaways
- **Collect early:** Gather transcripts, employment records, and activity lists before starting the form.
- **Request references early:** Give recommenders time to write and submit current letters.
- **Follow instructions:** Structure your cover letter exactly as requested and upload PDFs of transcripts.

History of the award
The ONF scholarship program is a longstanding initiative funded by individuals and OAN chapters to advance education and careers in the green industry. While specific award names and sponsors vary over time, the committee has consistently administered the scholarships on an annual spring schedule to support students entering horticulture‑related professions.

Key takeaways
- **Origins:** Funded by individuals and OAN chapters to support horticulture education.
- **Continuity:** Awards distributed annually by the ONF scholarship committee.
- **Adaptable portfolio:** Individual scholarships and sponsors may change, but the program’s mission remains consistent.