A new wave of opportunity is rolling into the cannabis space aimed at the students, entrepreneurs, and professionals building the industry’s future: The Higher Potential Cannabis Scholarship.
DaySavers, the most transparent and innovative smoking accessories company on the market and consumer brand of Custom Cones USA, has partnered with nearly 20 of the cannabis industry’s most respected organizations and leaders to launch the inaugural Higher Potential Scholarship. With over $25,000 in awards available, this unique collective initiative offers an unmatched combination of educational resources, mentorships, and industry access for anyone passionate about starting or advancing their career in cannabis.
Elevating the Next Generation
The Higher Potential Cannabis Scholarship was created to bridge the education and career development gaps that many face when entering the cannabis space. As legalization continues to expand, it’s more important than ever to provide support for aspiring professionals navigating their pathways into the industry.
By providing direct support from some of cannabis’ most experienced and influential leaders, the Coalition behind the Scholarship is investing in the future of the industry itself, from cultivation and processing to media, science, and executive leadership. This program isn’t just about opportunities, it’s about coming together, paying it forward to build a stronger, more inclusive, and more professional cannabis culture.
Simple to Apply, Designed for Everyone
Unlike traditional scholarships that may require GPA minimums or formal transcripts, the Higher Potential Scholarship is open to anyone with a passion for the plant interested in building a cannabis career, whether student, current professional, or dedicated enthusiast.
The process is easy and accessible: applicants simply select the specific award or opportunity they’re interested in and submit a personal statement under 500 words describing their connection to cannabis, future goals, and how the scholarship could help them grow closer toward their goals.
In addition to award-specific prizes, one Grand Prize winner will receive a $1,420 cash award from DaySavers, plus their selected scholarship opportunity. Applications are open until September 1, 2025, though some awards close earlier due to scheduling constraints, so interested applicants should apply early.
Over 100 Cannabis Industry Opportunities Available
This initiative isn’t your average scholarship fund. With over 100 curated awards, the Higher Potential Scholarship Coalition offers access to high-impact experiences across every corner of the cannabis industry, including:
- DaySavers: $1,420 cash grand prize, plus 1 opportunity scholarship
Educational Partners:
- SUNY Niagara: 10 cannabis course scholarships plus 5 SUNY Cannabis Conference tickets
- Ganjier: three (3) free seats in their Product Specialist certification program
- Operator Academy: 25 tuition-free educational seats with starter toolkits
- Veterinary Cannabis Society: eight (8) seats to veterinary cannabis course
- Green CulturED: 5 Tuition-free seats per state, available in nearly 20 states, or a Workforce Development Program of your choice
Industry Access and Networking:
- Benzinga: Five (5) event passes to 2025 & 2026 shows (21+);
- NECANN: Event passes to NJ, NY, Boston, MD, and VT events (21+);
- Marijuana Venture: Tickets to Interchange events, mentorships and media features in publications (21+ for events);
- Smoke Temple: 4 Passes to MJBizCon 2025 (21+);
- Fill-a Blunts: 4 Pairs of event passes to NECANN NJ and Champs TX/FL (21+)
- CannaCon: 5 Pairs of event passes to CannaCon MN & WA in 2025, plus 2026 shows (21+).
- The Cannabis Alliance: A pair of tickets to the 2026 Washington Cannabis Summit (21+)
Professional Development:
- Custom Cones USA: Two (2) mentorships with founders Harrison Bard or Fredrik Rading
- The Mycelia Group: Two (2) strategic cannabis business development opportunities with founder & CEO Jessica Ferranti
- Connecticut Ombudsman: Offering 5 In-state mentorships & 3 out-of-state mentorships
- The Network of Applied Pharmacognosy: Two (2) mentorships with cannabis scientists and researchers Dr. Miyabe Shields or Dr. Riley Kirk;
- Sage Advice: 3 Six-month professional memberships;
- CannaSexual: 2 Sex & cannabis mentorships with founder and award-winning sexologist Ashley Manta;
- The Canna Boss Babes: Multiple consulting & mentorship sessions with CEO and Host of The Canna Boss Babes podcast, Ishqa Hillman
- Camp Laughing Grass: 2 Mentorships in cannabis tourism with Trinity Madison; and
- Cannabis & Tech Today: Consulting services, internships, tickets to partner organization events & subscriptions from C&TT
- Ganjactivist: coming soon!
Created by Cannabis Leaders Who’ve Been There
The Higher Potential Scholarship is about more than just finances. it’s an initiative powered by people who know firsthand what it takes to break through, grow, and thrive in cannabis.
Coalition leaders like Jessica Ferranti, founder and CEO of The Mycelia Group, bring executive-level experience and passion for nurturing new entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, Kate Avruch, founder of Operator Academy, leverages more than a decade in cannabis manufacturing to provide hands-on education for the next wave of processors and operators. From product innovators and legacy operators to media executives, trade show organizers, educators, and scientists, the wealth of experience and knowledge brought forth by the 19 brands making up the Higher Potential Scholarship Coalition is a testament to the shared commitment to empowering the next generation of weed pros.
An Invitation to the Future of Cannabis
The Higher Potential Scholarship Coalition was formed with a singular mission: to provide real opportunities for those who want to make a positive impact in cannabis. Whether you’re a student, budtender, cultivator, or someone just getting started, there’s a place for you in this initiative.
Apply now and step into your future with the support of the cannabis community behind you.
Apply now!
