Apply for an Albert and Mary Koan Scholarship for Environmental Stewardship
The Albert and Mary Koan Scholarship for Environmental Stewardship was founded in December 2025 through a donation to the Michigan State Horticultural Society Trust by Jim and Karen Koan in recognition of Jim's parents. The Koan family has recognized the importance of two main ideas: that higher education is valuable achievement that will yield rewards throughout life and that careful stewardship of the environment is important as we farm the land.
This scholarship is open to any individual enrolled at Michigan State University (Bachelors, Masters or PhD) in a major directly related to the fruit industry or planning a career in the fruit industry. After completing the questions below, the scholarship review committee will select two finalists. These finalists will participate in an in-person (possibly Zoom) interview with the committee. After the interview, the committee will award one of the finalists a scholarship for $7,000 and the other a scholarship for $3,000.
The scholarships will be awarded at the Great Lakes EXPO Social on Wednesday evening, December 9. Both finalists are required to attend to accept their awards.
Selection Criteria:
- Enrolled at Michigan State University in a major directly related to the fruit industry and planning a career in the fruit industry
- Experience in or looking to pursue a 'sustainable agriculture' career
- Has shown leadership qualities in their past
Deadline:
The applications are due on October 20, 2026.
The application form can be found here:
The Albert and Mary Koan Scholarship for Environmental Stewardship
More Information
- Apply for an Albert and Mary Koan Scholarship for Environmental Stewardship
- Apply for an Industry Scholarship
- Apply for a Jordan B. Tatter Scholarship
- How to Become a Scholarship Donor
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Contact
7087 East Napier Ave.
Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022
Phone (269) 252-5461
