During the giving season, there are numerous worthwhile causes to donate to, including the NALP Foundation, which plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the landscape workforce through several key initiatives.
“Every donation, no matter the size, has a significant impact,” says Joe Ketter, president of the NALP Foundation board. “Small donations when combined with others, create a powerful force that drives meaningful change. Your generosity is a crucial part of our collective efforts, and it helps us continue our work.”
Paving a Way for Students
One of the NALP Foundation’s initiatives includes awarding scholarships to students pursuing a professional career in the landscape industry.
Since its formation, the NALP Foundation has awarded over 1,600 scholarships worth almost $2 million.
“Scholarships alleviate the financial burden of tuition and other education expenses, making it possible for talented students to pursue their passions without the stress of financial constraints,” says Jenn Myers, executive director of the NALP Foundation & senior director of workforce development. “It also encourages those students passionate about the industry to pursue their dreams, ensuring the industry continues to attract skilled and dedicated individuals.”
An example of a student these scholarships have positively impacted is Jack Pohutsky, a graduate of Pennsylvania State University.
He earned the Farmside Landscape & Design Scholarship worth $2,000 in 2018 and 2019. In 2020, he was awarded the Damgaard Family Landscape Contracting Scholarship worth $2,700. He now works for R.P. Marzilli & Company.
“Receiving the scholarships has been very motivational,” Pohutsky says. “Being recognized by the National Association of Landscape Professionals validates all the effort, hard work and time put into getting me where I am today. It has also created an avenue for contacts in the industry, helping to establish my professional career.”
Those who wish to start a scholarship in their name can donate a minimum of $25,000 to provide a $1,000 scholarship in perpetuity.
Connecting with Future Generations
The NALP Foundation is also reaching students at the high school, middle school and elementary school age through their work with SkillsUSA and Roblox.
The Foundation has partnered with SkillsUSA to establish state and national landscape and horticulture competitions.
“Through the Foundation’s involvement with SkillsUSA, we are able to introduce young individuals to the diverse career opportunities within our industry, showcasing the many pathways available to them,” Myers says.
The Foundation has also developed their own Roblox online experience, Landscape Design Empire, which has over 58,000 unique players. The goal of this platform is to create excitement and provide young players with a better understanding of the landscape and lawn care industry.
“Through our Roblox online experience, we are helping the profession connect with young people even earlier and in a way that inspires creativity, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of the landscape profession,” Myers says.
Strengthening the Industry
The Foundation also has made a comprehensive effort to foster positive and inclusive workplace cultures within the landscape industry through the People First initiative.
“Our goal is to inspire a work environment that promotes productivity, reduces turnover, and increases employee engagement, ultimately leading to a healthier and more vibrant workplace culture,” Myers says.
Some of the free resources the Foundation has made available include recruiting and retention toolkits, training tools and a workforce demographic study.
“You can donate any time of the year on our website, but joining us at our fundraising events during ELEVATE and Leaders Forum is a fun and exciting way to give back to the industry,” Ketter says.
Myers says other ways landscape professionals can support and be advocates for the Foundation are spreading the word about Landscape Design Empire or volunteering to present their profession on our Pathful platform to students in the classroom over Zoom.
