November 21, 2025
Ottawa Chapter - Val Kirschner Award
The Val Kirschner Award is the Ottawa Chapter’s annual scholarship program under the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (OHTF).
It was established to support students who demonstrate passion, initiative and a genuine commitment to building a career in the horticulture and landscape industry.
Funding allocations must be approved through a formal motion recorded in the Chapter meeting minutes.
APPLY HERE!
Awards will be presented during the Chapter's Awards of Distinction at Green Trade Expo on March 3, 2026.
Evaluation criteria include:
Funds will be disbursed by Landscape Ontario directly to the student (or their educational institution).
Recipients may be featured in Chapter communications, LO e-news, or social media (with permission).
APPLY HERE!
It was established to support students who demonstrate passion, initiative and a genuine commitment to building a career in the horticulture and landscape industry.
Annual allocation
Each year, up to five deserving students may be selected to receive $1,000 each.Funding allocations must be approved through a formal motion recorded in the Chapter meeting minutes.
Eligibility
There is no age restriction, but the applicant must:- Reside within the Ottawa Chapter geographic region.
- Be enrolled full-time in the first half of the Horticulture Industries Program at Algonquin College.
Applications
A completed application form must include the applicant's full name and contact information, plus the program start and completion dates (month/year), and include:- A brief cover letter or essay (about half a page) outlining:
- Why they wish to work in the horticulture profession
- What they hope to gain from their career
- A résumé summarizing work experience, with emphasis on volunteer service and community involvement
The deadline to apply is January 31, 2026
APPLY HERE!
Awards will be presented during the Chapter's Awards of Distinction at Green Trade Expo on March 3, 2026.
Review and selection
All applications will be reviewed by a Bursary Committee consisting of a minimum of three members, including one Board representative).Evaluation criteria include:
- Relevance to the landscape/horticulture industry
- Demonstrated need and potential impact
- Alignment with LO’s mission and community benefit
- Completeness and clarity of the application
Disbursement
Recipients will be notified in writing and may be formally recognized at a Chapter event (for example, an Annual General Meeting or Awards Night). The recipient’s name and organization will also be published on the Landscape Ontario website.Funds will be disbursed by Landscape Ontario directly to the student (or their educational institution).
Reporting
Recipients may be asked to submit a short thank-you letter, testimonial, or photo update for Chapter communications.Recipients may be featured in Chapter communications, LO e-news, or social media (with permission).
APPLY HERE!