By: Cat Pastoor
College of DuPage Horticulture students placed 12th overall and third out of all community colleges in the annual National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC), held March 18 to 22 at Colorado State University.
The NCLC hosted 727 students from 54 universities and colleges, connecting them with industry professionals and testing their skills in 28 competitive events, including exterior landscape design, plant identification, hardscape installation, sales presentation, robotics and technology in landscape design and maintenance, and plant installation. Students also participated in industry-sponsored workshops and a career fair with more than 100 landscaping companies, providing opportunities to network with industry professionals and peers from across the United States and Canada.
The Horticulture program at COD provides fundamental and advanced education and practical training to help graduates successfully enter the workforce. Students can earn an Associate degree in Applied Science degrees in Horticulture, Landscape Contracting and Management, and Sustainable Urban Agriculture as well as nine certificates. Horticulture courses are offered day and night, in-person, hybrid and virtual with more than 60 course offerings.