New Sustainable Horticulture Program Announced For Winter Semester

Students interested in learning how to manage landscapes and greenhouses in a way that can improve environments and reduce the impacts of climate change will soon have the opportunity thanks to a new sustainable horticulture program being launched at Kalamazoo Valley for the Winter 2023 semester.

Through the new program, students can earn an associate of applied science degree in sustainable horticulture, a certificate in greenhouse management or landscape management as well as a certificate of achievement in sustainable horticulture.

"We are launching this program at a time of great change and great opportunity in our world and the green industry," said Sara Tanis, Ph.D., program director. "Green industry careers are safe, rewarding and critical for human and planetary health. We're seeing great demand for skilled workers and there are multiple opportunities for entrepreneurship in greenhouse and landscape management fields. If you love working with your hands and want to learn how to use plants and greenscapes to improve urban and rural environments, the sustainable horticulture program could be perfect for you."

The courses will use Kalamazoo Valley's urban and suburban campuses as lab space, and the program will include industry certification, internship and work opportunities.

Sustainable horticulture is just one of many programs students can choose from when winter registration opens Oct. 10.

"With associate degrees in more than 60 areas of study and certificate programs in 50 more, there's something for everyone," said Sarah Hubbell, director of admissions, records and registration. "To best meet the needs of our students, we will continue to offer a variety of in-person, online and blended courses."

Students who are 25 years or older are encouraged to utilize the Michigan Reconnect program when registering for the winter semester.

Michigan Reconnect is a scholarship designed specifically for eligible adults who want to pursue an associate degree at a Michigan community college or a skills certificate at a training school. Michigan Reconnect pays the remaining balance of in-district tuition and mandatory fees after other state and federal financial aid have been applied. Students who attend out-of-district community colleges will receive a large tuition discount. To be eligible, students must be 25 years and older at the time of application, have lived in Michigan for a year or more, have a high school diploma or GED and have not yet completed an associate or bachelor's degree.

More than 100,000 applicants have been accepted into the Michigan Reconnect program statewide since its launch in February 2021, with approximately 18,000 participants returning to school to finish their degree or enrolled for the first time.