Shinoda Foundation Scholarship

Each year, scholarships are awarded by the Foundation to undergraduate students specializing in some phase of FLORICULTURE. The object of the awards is to encourage good students to enter the domestic floriculture field; therefore, applicants should intend to work in some phase of COMMERCIAL FLORICULTURE in the United States after graduation.

• The definition of Floriculture is: The cultivation of flowers, especially to be cut and sold, including flowering plants and foliage plants, cut flowers, greens, bedding plants (annual and perennial) and hanging baskets.
• To be eligible, applicants must attend their present institution or another providing accredited floriculture course work during the next academic school year. Since specialization might not occur until later in four-year schools, preferences will be given to upper division applicants.
• In evaluating each candidate, grades are important. However, other factors are considered such as need, work status, character, and intent. The application, letters of recommendation and transcripts must be received no later than March 30 in order to be eligible for consideration.
• Scholarship award amounts usually range from a minimum of $1,000 up to $5,000. Funds awarded in 2019 must be applied to the 2019-2020 academic year. Each student who wins a scholarship will be notified by mail.
• This scholarship is an outright grant. No interest payments or repayments of principal are required. It is hoped, however, that recipients will be inclined within their limits of their ability, to make contributions to the Foundation for the benefit of prospective students in the future.

Eligibility

The Joseph Shinoda Memorial Foundation is committed to assisting students in completing their education in floriculture or horticulture or a closely related field. Each year scholarships are awarded to worthy students. Criteria for awards are career goals, work and extra-curricular experience, financial need and grades.

Eligibility Requirements

Any student entering or attending a two-year or four-year college or university or first year only of graduate school is eligible. Applicants must be pursuing a course of study and a career in floriculture, horticulture or closely related field.

General Information

Scholarship awards generally range from $500 - $7,000. Funds awarded in 2023 must be applied to the 2023-2024 academic year. Each student who wins a scholarship will be notified by mail. Previous applicants and former recipients may re-apply in future years by submitting an updated application packet.

Scholarship funds will be deposited at the educational institution in the recipient’s name and applied by that institution to the student’s expenses.

Required Supporting Documents (The following 3 documents are required)

1. A recommendation from a teacher or academic advisor at your school evaluating you as a student (see enclosed form). Recommendation from a parent is not acceptable.
2. A recommendation from a current or former employer or community service organization (not a parent) evaluating you as a worker or volunteer (see enclosed form).
3. Transcript of grades from your most recent school. GPA must be calculated to a 4.0 scale.  Unofficial transcripts and photocopies are acceptable.