Strengthening its commitment to equipping future leaders with the skills, experiences and networks necessary to succeed, The Ohio State University Max M. Fisher College of Business has announced the establishment of the ScottsMiracle-Gro Hagedorn Legacy Endowment, a $1 million fund to help students pursue their dreams of attending college.

The ScottsMiracle-Gro Hagedorn Legacy Endowment Fund will provide direct scholarship support for entrepreneurially minded students, from any major at The Ohio State University, who have demonstrated a financial need. Leveraging the resources of The Ohio State Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), which is housed at Fisher, students will learn from academic and industry experts through hands-on, applied learning curricula and programming.

“The Fisher community is delighted to partner with The Hagedorn Legacy Foundation and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation in shaping the educational futures of so many aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders,” said Anil K. Makhija, dean and John W. Berry, Sr. Chair in Business at Fisher. “This critical support demonstrates the incredible impact that collaboration between an iconic company rooted here in Ohio and the state’s flagship educational institution can have on the next generation of leaders.”

As the Marysville-based company celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2018, the gift to Fisher is part of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation’s mission to empower youth through education. The scholarship support is part of the Legacy Project, a new program developed and administered by The Hagedorn Legacy Foundation with funding provided by The Hagedorn Legacy Foundation and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation.

“Education is a powerful catalyst for change and a leading pathway to success,” said Jim Hagedorn, Chairman and CEO, ScottsMiracle-Gro. “Young people facing financial obstacles to attending college can now realize their dreams of an education through this endowment. We are proud to make this donation to create the new fund.”

The Legacy Project provides high school students with the resources, innovative experiences and a network of support to move toward post-secondary education and career options — all with a focus on providing equal access to social mobility. Through one-on-one, individualized coaching and mentor relationships, real-world internship opportunities and hands-on camp experiences, the Legacy Project develops the character skills and innovative mindset necessary for students to successfully navigate the 21st century. Program partners include The Ohio State University, The Mayerson Academy in Cincinnati and The Metro Institute of Technology.