Michigan State Horticultural Society establishes environmental stewardship scholarship

The Michigan State Horticultural Society (MSHS) has established a new $10,000 annual scholarship program for Michigan State University (MSU) students pursuing careers in the fruit industry with an interest in environmental stewardship.

The Albert and Mary Koan Scholarship for Environmental Stewardship will award $7,000 to one recipient and $3,000 to a runner-up each year. The scholarship was created through a donation from Jim and Karen Koan in honor of Jim Koan’s parents.

The Koan family owns Almar Orchards in Flushing, Michigan. In 2025, Jim and Karen Koan donated funds that Albert Koan had set aside for educational purposes, working with MSHS to establish the statewide scholarship.

The program is open to currently enrolled MSU students who are interested in environmental stewardship and seeking careers in the fruit industry. Applications for the 2026 scholarship are due Oct. 20.

Following an initial application review, a selection committee will choose two finalists for in-person interviews. The awards will be presented during EXPO week at the Great Lakes EXPO Social on Wednesday evening.

The scholarship expands MSHS’s existing student support efforts. During the past 30 years, the organization and its sponsors have awarded scholarships to more than 100 students entering the Midwest fruit industry.

Applications and additional information are available at mihortsociety.com/scholarships.