The Washington County Master Gardeners are offering a $500 scholarship to a deserving Washington County resident pursuing a horticultural-related degree or certificate from a college or university in the state of Iowa. There is a one-page application form requiring a short essay and two letters of reference due to the Washington County Extension Office by April 15. The recipient will be notified in early May and may be invited to a Washington County Master Gardeners meeting shortly thereafter. The mission of the Master Gardener Program is to provide current, research-based home horticulture information and education to the citizens of Iowa through Iowa State University Extension programs and projects.  Through their participation in educational activities, Master Gardeners also increase their own personal knowledge in horticulture.  Master Gardeners extend Iowa State University Extension’s consumer horticulture education programs through volunteer activity. Applications are available at the Washington County Extension Office, or you can find a link to this scholarship application with this news story at KCIIradio.com.