DaySavers, the smoking accessories brand from Custom Cones USA, has announced its first class of winners of the Higher Potential Scholarship — a first-of-its-kind initiative to help forge the next generation of cannabis business leaders.
More than 200 awards with a total value of more than $25,000 were handed out to deserving, passionate students and professionals from around the country, including mentorships, industry access, financial assistance and tuition-free education and training, as well as one $1,420 cash scholarship awarded to one outstanding applicant.
The Higher Potential Scholarship Coalition includes 25 businesses and organizations, ranging from cultivators and creators to educators, advocates, policymakers, scientists, researchers, directors, founders and executives. Together, they’re offering invaluable insights and awards, with more than half increasing their initial contributions to ensure every candidate received the developmental resources they deserve.
The initiative is part of DaySavers’ broader mission to advance cannabis education, equity and industry innovation.
“These awards will help provide potentially life-changing access to education about one of the fastest-growing and most exciting industries in the country, impacting both the lives of the students and the business of cannabis in general,” said James Valentine, DaySavers communications and content marketing manager and scholarship administrator. “This is an investment in people and in the future of the industry.”
Award recipients come from 30 different states, with every applicant receiving resources to advance their industry dreams.
Winners were selected based on their application and personal essay detailing their background, interests, passion and journey in the cannabis space. Location was also considered for region-specific prizes.
The $1,420 cash scholarship was awarded by DaySavers to Talia Romero of Winton, California.
Other top prize winners include:
- Michael Miller of Finland, Minnesota, was awarded a tuition-free seat to SUNY Niagara cannabis courses;
- Hannah Eko of La Puente, California, and Alex Pressley of Ocala, Florida, were awarded tuition-free seats to the Ganjier Product Specialist program;
- Kari Boiter of Billings, Montana, was awarded a media package, consulting services and mentorship from Cannabis & Tech Today;
- Michelle McDonald of Storrs, Connecticut, was awarded a mentorship with the Cannabis Ombudsman for the State of Connecticut;
- Ashley Chapdelaine of Manchester, New Hampshire, and Freweyni Abrha of Princess Anne, Maryland, were awarded mentorships with scientists at the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy;
- Lauren Bratcher of Cave City, Kentucky, was awarded tickets to MJBizCon;
- Alexandra Arnett of Fresno, California, was awarded a mentorship and media package from Marijuana Venture magazine;
- Delaney Borrelli of Orlando, Florida, was awarded a membership to Women Employed in Cannabis; and
- Jackson Rund of Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, was awarded a one-on-one entrepreneurial advisement from The Mycelia Group.
Other Higher Potential Scholarship recipients received:
- Education & Resources: Tuition-free seats in cannabis programs from Ganjier, SUNY Niagara, Operator Academy, Green CulturED, Veterinary Cannabis Society, and resources from Sage Advice, Women Employed in Cannabis, and CannaSiteCo.
- Mentorship: One-on-one developmental mentorships and experiences with industry leaders Dr. Miyabe Shields and Dr. Riley Kirk (co-founders of Network of Applied Pharmacognosy), Harrison Bard and Fredrik Rading (co-founders of Custom Cones USA), Jessica Ferranti (founder and CEO of The Mycelia Group), Erin Kirk, Esq. (Connecticut Cannabis Ombudsman), Ashley Manta (creator of CannaSexual), Trinity Madison (founder and CEO of Camp Laughing Grass), Ishqa Hillman (founder and host of The Canna Boss Babes), and M. Omari Jackson (founder and CEO of Ganjactivist).
- Industry Access: Event access and editorial opportunities through Marijuana Venture, Cannabis & Tech Today, NECANN, IgniteIt Cannabis, CannaCon, The Cannabis Alliance, Fill-a Blunts and Smoke Temple.