By Andrea M. Reyes C.
The cannabis industry is no longer emerging — it’s evolving. What began as a cultural movement has matured into a structured, multi-sector economy spanning cultivation, compliance, science, media, retail, research, and entrepreneurship. But while opportunity has expanded, access has not always kept pace.
Now, DaySavers — the smoking accessories brand powered by Custom Cones USA — is investing directly in the industry’s future workforce through the Higher Potential Cannabis Scholarship.
What started as a 16-partner initiative has grown into a 25-organization coalition offering more than $25,000 in professional development resources to over 100 recipients across the United States.
This is not a marketing stunt. It’s infrastructure-building.
A Coalition Model for Cannabis Workforce Development
Rather than offering a single financial award, DaySavers built a collaborative network of industry organizations contributing tangible career-building resources: tuition seats, certifications, mentorship sessions, consulting, and conference passes.
The result is a multi-layered support system designed to lower barriers for those who want to work in cannabis — not just consume it.
The scholarship reflects a growing recognition: as legalization expands, the industry needs trained professionals, credible education pathways, and stronger workforce pipelines.
What the Scholarship Provides
1. Financial Support
- $1,420 cash grand prize from DaySavers
- Access to partner-sponsored opportunities
2. Education & Certification
Recipients may receive tuition-free seats or credentials from respected programs such as:
- Ganjier
- SUNY Niagara (micro-credentials)
- Green CulturED
- Operator Academy
- Veterinary Cannabis Society
This diversity reflects the industry’s expanding scope — from plant science and retail operations to veterinary applications and compliance.
3. Mentorship & Consulting
Recipients may receive direct guidance from leaders across the cannabis ecosystem, including:
- Harrison Bard
- Jessica Ferranti
- Ashley Manta
- Miyabe Shields
- Riley Kirk
In an industry where access often determines trajectory, mentorship is currency.
4. Event Access & Industry Networking
Scholarship winners may also receive passes to major conferences, including:
- MJBizCon
- CannaCon
- NECANN
- Benzinga Cannabis Events
These spaces provide face-to-face access to employers, investors, founders, and media — an often overlooked advantage in career acceleration.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to:
- U.S. residents
- Age 18+ (21+ for certain event-based awards)
Application Process
The process is intentionally low-barrier:
- Choose the opportunity aligned with your goals
- Submit a personal essay under 500 words
- Share your story, interest in cannabis, and career vision
Review criteria prioritize relevance, current involvement, demonstrated passion, and professional or academic effort — not perfection.
Why This Matters Now
The cannabis industry is transitioning from cultural movement to long-term economic sector. But many talented individuals still lack:
- Professional networks
- Structured education pathways
- Mentorship access
- Entry-level visibility
James Valentine, Marketing & Communications Manager at DaySavers and scholarship administrator, frames the mission clearly:
“The goal is not to select people who already ‘have it all together.’ The goal is to support those with real passion and help build on their existing talents.”
Education, in this context, becomes a form of cannabis philanthropy — one that strengthens both individuals and the broader industry.
Inside the Vision: James Valentine on Building a Generational Bridge
James brings a background in higher education, blockchain, and digital marketing, including business and marketing studies and digital marketing training at the University of Washington. His work in cannabis has focused on B2B communication and consumer education.
The scholarship was inspired by repeated conversations with students and career-switchers who were passionate but lacked structure.
Instead of building a small, brand-centered program, DaySavers chose coalition-building.
That decision may define its long-term impact.
Long-Term Vision Includes:
- Annual or biannual scholarship cycles
- Expanded grant opportunities
- Workforce development pathways
- Support for emerging sectors like consumption lounges
- Greater multi-generational inclusion
James also emphasizes a thoughtful approach to AI in education. While artificial intelligence can enhance research and training, it should not replace human mentorship or become the dominant voice in cannabis learning.
For him, the mission is personal. Raised in a conservative household and witnessing Alzheimer’s in his family history, he sees cannabis education as a bridge between generations — reducing stigma through informed exposure.
With a mother who worked as an elementary school teacher, education has always been central to his worldview. That foundation shapes the scholarship’s ethos: structured opportunity, responsible growth, and expanded access.
Key Details at a Glance
Building Infrastructure for the Industry’s Future
The Higher Potential Scholarship represents more than brand visibility. It is a structured investment in workforce development at a pivotal time.
As cannabis shifts from reform movement to regulated sector, sustainable growth depends on education, mentorship, and access.
By uniting 25 organizations under a shared mission, DaySavers and its partners are building something the industry urgently needs: a professional pipeline.
For those serious about entering cannabis — not as spectators, but as contributors — this scholarship offers a credible starting point.
And that may be its highest potential of all.
For more follow https://daysavers.com; https://customconesusa.com
