Invest in the Future of the Green Industry

One-Time Member Sponsorship Opportunity — MNLA Youth Initiative Program

youth initiative at the green industry winter forum

Help grow the next generation of green industry professionals! As part of your MNLA membership renewal, you now have the opportunity to make a one-time sponsorship contribution to support the MNLA Youth Initiative Program.

youth at vendor booth at the green industry winter forum

This program introduces high school students to career paths in landscaping, horticulture, arboriculture, and more—through hands-on experiences, business site visits, and participation in MNLA’s Winter Forum.

✅ Your sponsorship helps fund:

Educational materials and professional tools
Meals, supplies, and access to industry conferences
Program coordination and outreach to schools across Massachusetts

💡 Add your support today:

Just check the box on your renewal form or online registration and include your sponsorship amount. Every dollar helps bring a student closer to a meaningful career in the green industry. Already renew or just interested in contributing? Submit our online donation form and select “Youth Initiative” for the donation designation.

🌿 Suggested Sponsorship Levels:

$25 — Plant a Seed
$50 — Grow a Future
$100 — Cultivate a Career
$250+ — Be a Workforce Champion

Together, we can nurture the future of our industry — one student at a time.

🧡 Thank you for supporting youth, education, and the future of the green industry in Massachusetts!

About the MNLA Youth Initiative Program

Inspiring the Next Generation of Green Industry Leaders

The Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA), in partnership with the MNLA Foundation, is proud to launch the Youth Initiative Program—a forward-thinking effort to introduce high school students to the diverse and rewarding career opportunities within the green industry.

Our mission is to cultivate curiosity, foster hands-on experience, and connect students with industry professionals to inspire the future workforce in horticulture, landscaping, arboriculture, environmental design, and more.

Signature Youth Programs

🌱 1. Dreams & Solutions: Winter Forum Student Experience
Each winter, students are invited to join industry professionals at the MNLA Dreams & Solutions Winter Forum Conference. This immersive experience offers students:

The opportunity to network with leading green industry professionals
Access to cutting-edge education sessions and industry trends
Exposure to real-world applications and career paths within the field

This program sparks interest and provides students with the insight and inspiration to envision a future in the green industry.

🌿 2. Gather & Grow: Hands-On Industry Exploration
Our newest program, Gather & Grow, takes students beyond the classroom and into the field. Through guided visits to local green industry businesses, students will:

Experience a day in the life of professionals in landscaping, horticulture, and related fields
Gain hands-on exposure to modern tools, practices, and technologies
Interact with employers and mentors to better understand career opportunities and pathways

Gather & Grow bridges the gap between education and employment by showing students the vibrant, dynamic, and essential work happening in their own communities.

Make a Donation

Seed Your Future is the movement to promote horticulture and inspire people to pursue careers working with plants.

They envision a world where everyone understands and values the importance of plants and the people who work in the art, science, technology and business of horticulture. Learn more

What is an MCH?

A Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist (MCH) is the ultimate resource for growing in Massachusetts. They’ve invested the time to learn and qualify as experts in the field and include nursery professionals, landscape contractors, fine gardeners, designers, land managers, tree care professionals, and turf pros.

Partner programs

Plant Something MA

Plant Something MA is a project of MNLA which includes professional environmental horticulturists—people who grow, care for, design and install plantings and landscapes in your community.

Learn more

Growing Wild

Growing Wild helps reverse the loss of biological diversity, foster and protect endangered species and add to the natural beauty of our Commonwealth—right in your own backyard.

Learn more