At The Growing Place, we believe in nurturing not only plants but also people who grow with purpose. The Growing the Future Scholarship supports students passionate about horticulture, plant sciences, or environmental stewardship. As a family-owned business, we’re proud to invest in the next generation of green industry innovators, designers and growers.
Overview
- Five (5) $1,000 scholarships will be awarded
- Application deadline: Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, 11:59pm CST
- Winners will be announced in April
Eligibility Requirements
- College Students: Currently enrolled in a horticulture-related major or program at a college or university.
- Resides or attends school in DuPage, Will or Kendall County (Illinois)
- Demonstrates interest in gardening, sustainability or environmental activities (including, but not limited to, active involvement in horticulture clubs, internships, community gardens or related work)
- Employees of The Growing Place and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply.
Essay Requirements
- Applicants should answer the following questions in an original essay.
- Essays should be 300–600 words in length.
- Include Name, Contact Information and Current School at the top of the page
- Essays should be submitted in Word or PDF format to grow@thegrowingplace.com
College or Technical School Horticulture Majors – Essay Questions
- How do you see horticulture shaping the future of sustainable communities and local environments?
- Share a meaningful horticulture experience or project that has influenced your goals and growth?
Selection Criteria
Essays will be reviewed by a panel of The Growing Place team members and owners using the following rubric:
College Evaluation Rubric (100 points)
| Criteria | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Depth of Insight | Demonstrates understanding of horticultural principles, industry challenges, and opportunities. | 25 |
| Career Purpose and Vision | Clearly articulates professional goals and how horticulture aligns with them. | 25 |
| Critical Thinking and Innovation | Offers original thought, problem-solving, or forward-looking ideas in the field. | 20 |
| Writing Quality | Well-structured, coherent, and polished writing; proper grammar and tone. | 15 |
| Personal Commitment and Impact | Table Data 10 | 15 |
Growing the Future Scholars
- Recipients will receive a $1,000 scholarship check payable to their educational institution.
- Recognition at The Growing Place Spring Celebration event.
- Optional feature on our website, newsletter and social media, sharing their story and photo (with permission).
About The Growing Place
The Growing Place has been family-owned and operated for 90 years. What started as field-grown, high-quality perennials in 1936, known as Emma’s Perennials, has evolved over three generations to include two garden centers in the Chicago area offering a beautiful retail space, production greenhouses, Learning Gardens and a vast selection of healthy plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs, as well as garden supplies, garden décor, and pottery.
Our Mission: We are a destination committed to providing an exceptional experience, quality plants, gardening expertise and inspiration.