If you’re looking for a way to pay it forward to the next generation of landscape professionals, there is no better way than supporting the NALP Foundation.
The NALP Foundation’s mission is to strengthen the landscape industry through education, scholarships, and research for the benefit of the nation’s green spaces.
Paul Fraynd, president of the NALP Foundation board, says whether you’re a small contractor just starting out or an industry veteran considering your legacy, there are many meaningful ways to support the Foundation.
“You can help by sharing impact stories, visiting a local classroom to engage with kids, encouraging students to apply for scholarships or attending NCLC,” Fraynd says.
Cultivating Student Success
For more than two decades, one of the core focuses of the NALP Foundation has been awarding scholarships to students pursuing college-level landscape and horticulture degrees.
“The Foundation’s total assets now exceed $5 million,” Fraynd says. “This is a true testament to the power of collective energy, passion and generosity in our industry. The scholarship program began 30+ years ago, and it’s very exciting to see us reach this milestone of becoming an ‘accredited investor.’ I like to imagine the thousands of students we have and will help in the future! In 2026, we will award over $150,000 in scholarships – the most in the Foundation’s history.”
Each year, more than 150 applications are received for the ambassador-funded scholarships.
“Last year, we set a new record with 180 completed and evaluated applications representing 44 different schools,” says Jenn Myers, executive director of the NALP Foundation & senior director of workforce development.
Fraynd says they are in need of general fund contributions throughout the year, and even giving a small amount helps.
“For those who are retiring or have recently sold their business, becoming a scholarship ambassador is a great way to give back to the industry,” Fraynd says. “Ambassadors are able to target their funds and can be assured their generosity will live on.”
Fraynd says he is grateful to the Kehoe Family Foundation and the many others who have made lifelong gifts to support the Foundation’s work.
Planting the Seeds for Future Generations
The Foundation also has established initiatives to reach those 12 years or younger and those in high school.
“Passion and curiosity start at a young age,” Fraynd says. “I was mowing our own lawn by 12 years old and working for my neighbors by 15. We want to capture the attention, interest and passion of kids while they are starting to think about careers.”
Landscape Design Empire, the NALP Foundation’s custom Roblox experience, allows players to design, install and maintain landscapes for a fictional neighborhood. They can learn about different types of plants, purchase work tools and open new areas as they progress through Landscape Design Empire. Players can invite friends to help or share the experience.
It has now surpassed 207,000 unique visitors, with 80% of users 12 years of age or younger.
“Fewer than 1% of Roblox titles exceed 200,000 unique visitors,” Myers says. “This achievement places us among a highly selective group of successful games, enhancing our visibility with key stakeholders at Roblox corporate headquarters, increasing our presence on Roblox landing pages and websites, and improving performance of our advertising efforts. Reaching this milestone positions Landscape Design Empire favorably as we continue to invest in and advance the future of the game.”
Myers says the next update for Landscape Design Empire is scheduled for mid-December 2025 to coincide with the highest-traffic gaming period of the year, spanning Christmas through New Year’s. She says it will include additional seasonal elements and special holiday features, including snow effects and lighting.
At the high school level, the NALP Foundation has been seeking to launch a national competition at SkillsUSA, where more than 100 skilled events are already offered. To qualify as a national competition, SkillsUSA requires a minimum of 15 states to host the event at the state level.
“Every major trade has a big presence at SkillsUSA and quite frankly, we are behind,” Fraynd says. “There are over 400,000 students involved in SkillsUSA nationwide. It is part of the Foundation’s mission to be sure these future leaders are exposed to careers and a great life in the green industry.”
When the NALP Foundation exhibited at SkillsUSA for the first time in 2022, only one state offered a landscape horticulture competition. Today, 14 states have committed to developing this offering, and seven already host a state-level competition each spring.
“With strong enthusiasm from educators, state directors, and students, the Foundation and its partners are refining the competition model, preparing to support a growing field of competitors, and working to reach the threshold needed to launch the national competition,” Myers says.
There are multiple ways landscape companies can support the Foundation’s efforts with SkillsUSA, including:
- Volunteering onsite at the national conference to promote the wide range of landscape careers.
- Donating materials and expertise to support hands-on demonstrations and student engagement.
- Sponsoring and helping run state-level horticulture competitions, which are required to launch a national landscape contest.
- Partnering with other industry members to visibly demonstrate the size and strength of the profession.
“This involvement builds awareness, dispels outdated perceptions of landscaping, and ensures more students consider careers across our diverse and growing industry,” Myers says.
Tending Supportive Work Environments
Additionally, the Foundation offers free resources that benefit those currently in the industry’s workforce, such as how to recruit and retain a diverse workforce and cultivate growth.
One of the newer resources available is the Quick Chats, created in response to the growing need from organizations to assist in strengthening the management and growth of their workforce.
Fraynd says these were developed in part to help companies open their doors to a wider range of employees and leaders. They cover topics such as how to address discrimination and encourage diverse perspectives.
“Our workforces demand and expect us to be able to navigate the topics of the day,” Fraynd says. “We cover many recommended practices on leading a modern workforce, recruiting and retention. I look at these resources in a similar lens as tailgate training. The Foundation provides bite-sized, easy-to-implement tools that help me be a better employer and leader.”
Making a Positive Impact
From scholarships to educational content to NCLC, the Foundation’s work is making a difference in the lives of young people. Fraynd says BYU professor Phil Allen has endless stories of the positive impact NALP and the NALP Foundation has had on his programs and his students.
“We have been hearing from educators that interest and applications to collegiate horticulture programs are on the rise!” Fraynd says. “I like to think the Foundation has at least played a small part in this. In the age of AI, our industry will remain a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, make real-world impact, and work alongside great humans.”
Fraynd recommends that if you’re just getting started, reach out to a local school and speak to students.
“You will get way more out of it than you put in!” he says. “This work alone not only motivates the students, but the landscape professionals as well. Building the habits of giving and generosity of spirit to share is contagious. The more folks we have giving back to our industry, the stronger we all become.”
