In an ambitious effort to empower the next generation of cannabis professionals, DaySavers, alongside nearly 20 industry-leading partners, has officially launched the inaugural Higher Potential Cannabis Scholarship, offering more than $25,000 in educational resources, mentorships, and industry access to aspiring and current cannabis professionals.
The scholarship was created to bridge gaps in education and career development for those passionate about cannabis, especially in a space where federal illegality and lingering stigma continue to present barriers. From cultivation and retail to research, media, and executive leadership, the Higher Potential Scholarship Coalition is composed of major players across the cannabis ecosystem who are now paying it forward to support the future of the industry, our industry.
Accessible, Inclusive, and Designed for Growth
Open to all students, professionals, and enthusiasts who seek to build a future in cannabis, the scholarship application process is simple and straightforward: applicants choose a specific opportunity and submit a short personal statement under 500 words detailing their experience with cannabis, career goals, and educational aspirations.
One Grand Prize winner will receive a $1,420 cash award from DaySavers, in addition to their selected Coalition award opportunity. Applications are open through September 1, 2025, with select awards closing in August due to specific timelines.
A Broad Range of Industry Opportunities
With over 100+ awards curated by partners in the Higher Potential Scholarship Coalition, the offerings span professional mentorships, free course enrollments, event passes, and more, including:
- DaySavers, the most transparent and innovative smoking accessories company on the market, is putting up the $1,420 Grand Prize in cash, plus one scholarship opportunity of your choice.
- Ganjier is offering 3 full rides to its elite Ganjier Product Specialist certification.
- SUNY Niagara is opening the doors of higher education with 10 horticulture scholarships and 5 passes to their cannabis conference.
- Benzinga gets you networking with 5 tickets to their 2025 and 2026 shows (21+ only).
- Connecticut Ombudsman is offering 5 In-state mentorships & 3 out-of-state mentorships
- Marijuana Venture, one of the premier cannabis industry media outlets, brings Interchange event access, mentorships, and even media features in their mag (21+ for events).
- NECANN, a producer of top industry events nationwide is offering tickets to five of their biggest events in NJ, NY, Boston, Maryland, and Vermont – all for the 21+ crowd.
- Cannabis & Tech Today is awarding consulting services, internships, tickets to partner organization events & subscriptions from C&TT.
- Custom Cones USA will give 4 winners 1:1 mentorships with founders Harrison Bard or Fredrik Rading – your backstage pass to the pre-roll game.
- Operator Academy is covering tuition for 25 students and hooking them up with starter toolkits to get hands-on.
- The Network of Applied Pharmacognosy is hosting 4 mentorships with renowned cannabis scientists Dr. Miyabe Shields or Dr. Riley Kirk.
- Sage Advice is including 3 six-month pro memberships, perfect for expanding your circle and honing your skills.
- Smoke Temple is giving four winners passes to MJBizCon 2025, the cannabis industry’s premier trade event (21+).
- The Mycelia Group has two opportunities for entrepreneurial project launches in collaboration with CEO Jessica Ferranti.
- Fill-a Blunts brings 4 pairs of tickets to major events NECANN NJ, CannaCon MN and Champs TX/FL (21+).
- CannaSexual, which explores the intersection of cannabis and sexuality, is spicing things up with a 1:1 mentorship with founder and award-winning sexologist Ashley Manta.
- Veterinary Cannabis Society will cover 8 seats in their professional cannabis course for pet and animal lovers alike.
- Camp Laughing Grass is bringing two lucky winners behind the scenes for mentorships in cannabis tourism with founder Trinity Madison.
- CannaCon has 5 pairs of tickets to their Minnesota and Washington events in 2025, plus their shows in 2026 (21+).
- The Cannabis Alliance is offering a pair of tickets to the 2026 Washington Cannabis Summit (21+)
- The Canna Boss Babes is offering multiple consulting & mentorship sessions with CEO and Host of The Canna Boss Babes podcast, Ishqa Hillman
- Green CulturED has 5 Tuition-free seats per state, available in nearly 20 states, or a Workforce Development Program of your choice
- Ganjactivist coming soon!
Powered by Leaders Who’ve Walk the Walk
The Higher Potential Scholarship was launched by a Coalition of cannabis industry leaders committed to creating a more inclusive and professionally supported industry culture. From seasoned operators and educators to media executives and innovators, each partner brings a unique background and vision for the future of cannabis.
Jessica Ferranti, founder of The Mycelia Group and former CRO of Cannabis & Tech Today, brings executive leadership experience to support emerging entrepreneurs. Kate Avruch, founder of Operator Academy, offers hands-on cannabis manufacturing training rooted in over a decade of industry expertise.
Supporting the Future of Cannabis
The Higher Potential Scholarship Coalition exists to empower the cannabis professionals of tomorrow with the mentorship, education, and access they need to grow. From students and budtenders to entrepreneurs and advocates, all are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this inclusive cross-industry collaboration.
For more information and to apply, visit: https://daysavers.com/higher-potential-scholarship/
