Students pursuing a career in horticulture can now apply for the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship, which expects to award at least 12, $1,500 academic scholarships.

The Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund was created in 1989 by the Southern Nursery Association, and scholarships are available to juniors, seniors and graduate students in 16 southeastern states – Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. During the past 24 years, the endowment fund has awarded $390,000 in scholarships, according to the scholarship program's website.

The scholarship is dedicated to the late Sidney B. Meadows, “one of the most honored horticultural leaders, who has been described as one of the industry’s great humanitarians,” according to the website.

“Meadows was an avid supporter of student scholarships and believed that providing aid for students was the most important way to ensure the growth and development of all facets of the industry.”

Students have until May 31, 2013, to apply, and the scholarship selection committee will choose students by July 1, 2013. Winners will be notified soon after members make their decision.

For more information about eligibility and to apply, visit the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund website.