If you want to start a green career or just learn more about plants, you may be eligible for a scholarship to 
study horticulture at Niagara County Community College. NCCC offers the only college horticulture program in Western New York.
The deadlines to apply for the scholarships are approaching.
Horticultural Training and Development Award
Deadline to apply: May 16
Funded by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, this scholarship offers $2,500 to attend the NCCC horticulture program full or part time. It requires a two-year commitment to work for or volunteer with a local green organization.
Application available at NCCC’s scholarship page.
Amherst Garden Club Scholarship
Deadline to apply: May 20
Application available at NCCC’s scholarship page.
Western New York State Nursery and Landscape Association Foundation Scholarship
Deadline to apply: before June 1
Application available at the association’s website.
Other scholarships are available once you are enrolled in the program for at least a semester.
In addition, people aged 60 and over can audit courses with free tuition.
To take classes for credit in the fall, you should start the the application and enrollment process no later than Aug. 1. If you’re interested in taking a class for fun, you may be able to enroll as late as Sept. 1. However, if a class doesn’t meet its minimum enrollment, it may be cancelled by mid-August, so it’s better to register early.
NCCC’s horticulture program combines classroom, greenhouse and outdoor hands-on instruction in a one-year certificate program with a two-year associate’s degree option. It boasts a 100 percent job placement for graduates.
You can attend full or part time. Classes are taught by professionals with years of experience in the industry. You’ll also participate in industry networking events and community service projects to put your horticulture education to work.
For more information, contact Carolyn Stanko, instructor in and coordinator of the Horticulture Program at NCCC, at cstanko@niagaracc.suny.edu or 716-614-6423.
