Smoking accessories brand DaySavers in collaboration with the Higher Potential Scholarship Coalition, has announced the launch of the Higher Potential Scholarship—an initiative supporting passionate students, professionals, and those with career aspirations in cannabis with more than $25,000 in financial and educational resources.
Made possible by a diverse coalition of industry-leading partners—each contributing resources that reflect their expertise in the cannabis space—the Higher Potential Scholarship is part of DaySavers' broader mission to advance cannabis education, equity, and industry innovation. Founding sponsors include Ganjier, SUNY Niagara, Cannabis & Tech Today and a growing list of mission-aligned partners.
"Whether you're working in the industry, pursuing a degree, professional certification, or have aspirations of working in cannabis, the industry needs your passion, voice, and ideas," said James Valentine, Daysavers' Communications and Content Marketing Manager. "With the Higher Potential Scholarship, we're investing in the dreamers by breaking down barriers and helping the next wave of talent step into their potential."
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DaySavers will award one applicant a $1,420 scholarship to use toward their developmental goals in cannabis. Additionally, four winners will be selected for tickets to MJBizCon, the largest cannabis business conference in the world, and four winners will receive two tickets to major events throughout the country, including CannaCon, Champs, and NECANN. DaySavers is offering a $1,420 cash grand prize along with one opportunity scholarship. Ganjier is contributing three tuition-free seats in its Ganjier Product Specialist certification program, led by Managing Director Derek Gilman.
Educational partners are also supporting the initiative. SUNY Niagara is offering 10 cannabis course scholarships along with five tickets to the SUNY Cannabis Conference, with guidance from Melissa Moore, Assistant Professor and Co-coordinator of the Horticulture Department. Operator Academy will provide 25 tuition-free certification seats with starter toolkits, under the leadership of founder Kate Avruch. The Veterinary Cannabis Society is offering eight seats to its Cannabis Education Course, represented by Emily Stewart, Development and Marketing Director. Green CulturED will provide five tuition-free seats per state, available in nearly 20 states, or access to a Workforce Development Program of choice, with support from Chief Training Officer Evan Erickson.
Industry access and networking opportunities are also included. Benzinga is awarding five event passes to its 2025 and 2026 shows, with Senior Vice President of Event Partnerships Elliot Lane overseeing the offering. NECANN will provide event passes to its New Jersey, New York, Boston, Maryland, and Vermont events, led by co-founder and president Marc Shepard. Marijuana Venture is contributing tickets to Interchange events, mentorships, and media features, guided by Editor-in-Chief Garrett Rudolph. Smoke Temple is offering four passes to MJBizCon 2025, with support from James Valentine, Content Marketing and Communications Manager at DaySavers and Custom Cones USA. Fill-a Blunts will provide four pairs of event passes to NECANN New Jersey and Champs in Texas and Florida. CannaCon will award five pairs of event passes to its Minnesota and Washington events in 2025, as well as future events in 2026, with Director of Marketing Angela Grelle leading the effort. The Cannabis Alliance is offering a pair of tickets to the 2026 Washington Cannabis Summit, represented by Kristen Angelo, Membership and Marketing Director.
Professional development opportunities form another important component. Custom Cones USA is offering two mentorships with founders Harrison Bard, CEO, and Fredrik Rading, COO. The Mycelia Group will provide two strategic cannabis business development opportunities with founder and CEO Jessica Ferranti. The Connecticut Cannabis Ombudsman, Erin Kirk, is offering five in-state mentorships and three out-of-state mentorships. The Network of Applied Pharmacognosy will provide two mentorships with cannabis scientists Dr. Miyabe Shields and Dr. Riley Kirk. Cannabis & Tech Today is contributing consulting services, internships, event tickets, and subscriptions, with oversight from Editor-in-Chief Charles Warner.
Sage Advice will offer three six-month professional memberships through its founder, Elizabeth Sage. The Canna Boss Babes will provide multiple consulting and mentorship sessions with CEO and podcast host Ishqa Hillman. Camp Laughing Grass is offering two mentorships in cannabis tourism and hospitality with founder and CEO Trinity Madison. CannaSiteCo. will provide a complimentary modern cannabis website package along with a consultation session, led by co-founder Caron Cooper. Finally, Ganjactivist will soon be offering additional opportunities, supported by its founder and CEO, M. Omari Jackson.
Open to all applicants 18+ in the U.S. with a vested interest in pursuing a career in cannabis. The Higher Potential Scholarship is designed to equip applicants across all stages of their educational and professional journey with developmental resources and insider industry opportunities.
Applications for the inaugural cycle are now open online, and will be accepted through a general deadline of September 1st, 2025 though some opportunities may have earlier deadlines depending on the partner organization. Award recipients will be announced September 20th, 2025.
For more information:
DaySavers
Email: [email protected]
daysavers.com/
