Ohio Horticulture Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Western Reserve Herb Society
Overview
The Western Reserve Herb Society awards Plant Science scholarships to undergraduate students who have completed their second (sophomore) year and are currently working toward a bachelor’s degree. Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited college or university and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2.
Available Awards
- Western Reserve Herb Society Plant Science Scholarships (national): Two (2) awards of $4,000 each. Eligible applicants attend accredited U.S. colleges or universities.
- Frances Sylvia Zverina Scholarship (Ohio only): Two (2) awards of $4,500 each. This scholarship is limited to students attending accredited institutions in Ohio. Ohio applicants are automatically considered for both the Ohio-only Zverina Scholarship and the national Plant Science Scholarship.
Selection Priorities
Preference will be given to students who show strong coursework in rigorous science classes, meaningful extracurricular or work experiences that demonstrate exceptional commitment, and career objectives that may include public or nonprofit service, education, sustainability, or research.
Application Requirements
All materials listed below must be submitted and received by the deadline: February 28, 2026.
1) Personal Essays — two (2) separate documents
- Essay 1: Explain your qualifications for this merit scholarship and describe what actions you are taking to reach your educational objectives.
- Essay 2: Describe your career and personal goals after graduation, in relation to your academic major.
- Include your name as a header on each essay and also include your name in the subject line when uploading/submitting each essay.
- Attach essays via the “Choose File” buttons in the application form.
2) Letter of Recommendation — one (1)
- One recommendation from an instructor is required.
- The recommender must include your name in the subject line of the recommendation submission.
3) Official Transcripts — from all colleges attended
- Official transcripts for every college or university you have attended are required.
- Transcripts must be received by February 28, 2026.
How to Submit Transcripts and Materials
- Electronic transcripts: Arrange for your college Registrar to send official electronic transcripts to scholarship@westernreserveherbsociety.org.
- If your institution cannot send electronic official transcripts, request that they mail printed official transcripts to:
Western Reserve Herb Society
c/o Cleveland Botanical Garden
11030 East Blvd.
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
Reminder: Your completed application packet — including the application form, both essays, the instructor recommendation, and official transcripts from all colleges attended — must all be received by February 28, 2026.