The WMNLA Scholarship Fund was started in 2001 with the goal to provide a scholarship award to a local college student with an interest in horticulture. Up to three scholarships totaling up to $3,000 annually can be awarded to students in Ottawa, Oceana, Newaygo, Muskegon, and Allegan Counties.
The Deadline for applications is February 1st each year to the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.
2026 WMNLA Scholarship Recipient
WMNLA is happy to announce the recipient of this year’s scholarship, Christina Koratich.
Christina Koratich graduated high school from Spring Lake with a 4.0 GPA and is currently in the process of completing a 2 year program at Muskegon Community College in landscape design through Michigan State University’s Institute of Agriculture Technology. Christina then plans on transferring to MSU to finish out her BS in Horticulture. She is currently working at Frederick Meijer Gardens as a seasonal gardener, which, she thoroughly enjoys.
A message from Christina, “This scholarship allows me to further my education and career without being forced to sacrifice rich opportunities in order to avoid student debt. It enables me to prioritize mentorships and work that have a meaningful impact, and I am blessed to receive this generous award. Outdoor spaces inspire people of all ages to be good stewards of the world we live in, and it is my privilege to share in creating and maintaining these spaces.”
WMNLA President, Tony Thom (right), Vice President Elliot Rudert (left) and Treasurer, Phil Syswerda (2nd from left) attended the Scholarship Awards Ice Cream Social on July 21st that was hosted by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, which oversees the WMNLA Scholarship Fund.
The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation Scholarship Application is available for completion online:
http://www.ghacf.org/scholarships
- Go to the Scholarship Page and read over all the information.
- Go to the Application Page. There you will find information including Descriptions of the Scholarships available and Application Tips and Suggestions for Completion. (You may print this information for reference.)
There are 4 Required Steps to a Successful Application:
- Begin working on your FAFSA report now so you have the results back by the scholarship deadline of February 1st. There is a link to the FAFSA website on the Application page.
- Click to register with the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation eGrant system to begin your scholarship application. Follow the directions and save your work. Do not submit your application until you have read it over and are completely finished.
- All applicants must print and sign the Financial Information Form and mail it to the University or College they plan to attend or already attend. This link is found on the Application page.
- Submit your application in two ways: First submit your application electronically. Then, go to the main menu of the eGrant page. Click on the View Button. Your application will appear in PDF format. Print this document and deliver it with all required attachments to the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, 1 South Harbor, Grand Haven, MI 49417. If the word “Draft” appears on any pages of the application after printing, go back to the “Finish Page” and “Submit” the application. Applications will not be considered submitted if they are in Draft form.
The deadline for submitting your application is: February 1st.
Please call Holly Cole at hcole@ghacf.org if you have questions about your scholarship application.
2025 Grant Recipient
Coopersville, MI – WMNLA has donated a commercial floral cooler to the Coopersville FFA program. This contribution will enhance plant science education and support the Chapter’s growing floriculture teams.
The floral cooler will be used to preserve cut flowers and arrangements, allowing students to explore floral design, marketing, and plant care through hands-on experience. It also strengthens the Chapter’s ability to compete in the Floriculture Career Development Event, where students demonstrate industry-relevant skills.
“We’re incredibly thankful to WMNLA for investing in our students,” said Coopersville FFA Advisor Samantha Bos. “This cooler provides real-world tools that elevate classroom learning and help prepare students for future careers in horticulture and agriculture.”
This donation reflects WMNLA’s ongoing commitment to supporting agricultural education and cultivating the next generation of Green Industry professionals.
Photo Left to Right: Gracie Triick, Coopersville FFA President; Darci Szanto, WMNLA At-Large Director; Tony Thom, WMNLA President; and Keith Johnston, WMNLA Past President
WMNLA Launches Horticulture Grant Program
Debuting this year, WMNLA is very fortunate to be able to develop a Horticulture Grant program to support high school and tech centers with their horticulture education projects within the WMNLA region of Ottawa, Muskegon, Kent, Allegan, Newaygo, and Oceana counties. Grant criteria is currently being developed by the WMNLA Board. This program is an important initiative of the industry to support the horticulture education programs at the high school and tech center where student are just beginning to develop their career interests at a time when these educational programs can be limited due to financial constraints. Award amounts will begin at $500 and will increase as the fund grows with time.
Educators can contact WMNLA to learn more about this program by contacting Becky Cybart, WMNLA Coordinator at info@wmnla.org.
If your business would like to support this program, donations are accepted on behalf of WMNLA at the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, One S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven, MI 49417 or www.ghacf.org.
Applications for this program can be found right here – Horticulture Grant Program Application