Noticias
Supporting the Programs that Educate and Connect Our Industry
September 17, 2026
From supporting students and educators to expanding access to industry training, AFE’s educational grants help bring valuable learning opportunities to communities across the floral industry. This year, 16 organizations were awarded to support the industry and academia.
Many AFE-funded projects focus on engaging the next generation or addressing important industry needs. This year’s funding will support programs ranging from hands-on workshops and courses to national conferences and online training, creating opportunities for students, educators, and industry professionals to learn, connect, and grow.
“Education is one of the best ways we can invest in the future of our industry,” dijo el presidente del Comité de Educación de AFE, Adam Van Winkle, de Stadium Flowers. “These grants give organizations the resources to expand their programs and reach more people. It’s exciting to see the variety of projects we’re able to support this year.”
2026-27 Educational Grants Awarded to:
- América en Flor – 2027 Educational Symposium
- Sociedad Americana de Ciencias Hortícolas – Student and Early Career Support for 2027 ASHS Annual Conference
- College of DuPage – High School Floral Career Development Event (CDE) *
- Asociación Floral de los Grandes Lagos – 2027 Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo *
- Universidad Estatal de Iowa – Midwest Greenhouse Short Course
- Joliet Junior College Foundation – Growing the Talent Pipeline: JJC at the Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo *
- Foro Nacional de Floricultura – 2027 National Floriculture Forum
- Universidad Estatal de Oklahoma – Cultivating the Future: Reestablishing Floriculture Education at OSU *
- Universidad Purdue – Modernizing Virtual Field Trips for Floriculture Education: Showcasing Innovation and Globalization
- Siembra tu futuro – Careers in Bloom: Bringing Floral Careers into the Classroom
- Asociación Floral de Dakota del Sur – 2027 South Dakota Florists Association Annual Convention *
- La Universidad Estatal de Ohio – E-Gro Alert and Blogs
- La Universidad Estatal de Ohio – Conferencia de Educación en Floricultura y Viveros de Ohio
- Universidad de Florida – The 11th Independent Plant Breeders Conference (IPBC)
- Asociación de Floristas de Wisconsin y Alta Míchigan – 2027 Annual Convention *
- WFFSA (Wholesale Florists and Floral Suppliers Association) – WFFSA Sustainability Education Initiative
*Funded through Fondo de la Beca de Educación para Floristas Minoristas Meinders
Together, these programs create opportunities for students, educators, and industry professionals to gain new skills, share ideas, and explore new possibilities within the floral industry. All of these incredible organizations are being supported by our grants totaling $75,000. AFE is proud to support the organizations making these opportunities possible and looks forward to seeing the impact of their work in classrooms, greenhouses, conferences, and communities across the country.
Applications for educational grants are due June 1 each year. Learn more and apply aquí.
