Over the last six decades, the American Floral Endowment (AFE) has invested more than $20 million into the industry through internships, scholarships, education, and research to help support the next generation of floriculture leaders. 

With a staunch commitment to education, AFE provides more academic becas in floriculture than any other organization, helping to alleviate the financial burden of higher learning and proactively strengthening the industry well into the future. This year, through the generosity of our donors, we provided $67,600 in scholarships – nearly $10,000 more than the year before. In 2024, 24 students from universities in the United States and Canada were awarded scholarships. This year, we received 106 applications reviewed and scored by 60 industry member volunteers. 

Please join us in congratulating AFE’s Scholarship Class of 2024! Learn more about these future industry leaders and what these scholarships mean to them.

Tatum Gogna

University of Nevada, Reno, Agriculture Science and Economics
American Florists’ Exchange Scholarship – $3,100

Tatum Gogna of Lodi, California, is a junior at the University of Nevada seeking a dual major in Agriculture Science and Agriculture Economics and a minor in Agriculture Communications. She anticipates graduating from college a year early, in May 2025. Her future career goals include agriculture education and advocacy.

“I am beyond thankful for this scholarship as it allows me to finish my final year of school and graduate debt-free,” Gogna said. “I am grateful to all who made this scholarship possible.”

Acerca de las Becas del American Florists’ Exchange:
El Original Los Angeles Flower Market se estableció en 1921 y el mercado de flores ahora forma parte del distrito mayorista de flores más grande de EE. UU. Los beneficiarios elegibles son estudiantes de antepenúltimo o último año con un promedio de calificaciones de 3.0 o superior, que se especializan en agricultura con énfasis en un futuro en la floricultura. Esta beca proporciona asistencia para la matrícula a estudiantes que asisten a una universidad en California o estudiantes residentes de California que asisten a una universidad en otras áreas de EE. UU.

Sophia LeBard

Washington State University, Integrated Plant Sciences
Julio and Sarah Armellini Scholarship – $3,200

Sophia LeBard of Pullman, Washington, is a senior at Washington State University majoring in landscape, nursery, and greenhouse management. After graduating in December 2024, LeBard plans to work in the wholesale floral industry, with an interest in fieldwork and wedding floral designs. She also plans to own a greenhouse operation. LeBard was also the recipient of the Julio and Sarah Armellini Scholarship in 2023. 

“Knowing that I am supported by the professional industry has boosted my confidence in entering this new professional space,” said LeBard. “I am grateful to receive the education I have, and I could not have done it without help from amazing organizations such as the American Floral Endowment.”

Acerca de las Becas Julio y Sarah Armellini:
Julio “Toots” Armellini fue el fundador de Armellini Express Lines, la mayor empresa de transporte de flores de EE. UU. Armellini se alistó en la Armada como “Seabee” y estuvo destinado en todo el mundo como mecánico, donde aprendió las habilidades que utilizó para modernizar el transporte por camión refrigerado. Armellini Logistics se fundó en 1945. Hoy en día, Armellini Logistics abarca muchos negocios: Armellini Express Lines, Inc., J.A. Flower Service, Armellini Freight Brokerage, Armellini Air Express y Dash Mobile Storage. Establecida por Julio y Sarah antes de su fallecimiento, la Beca Julio y Sarah Armellini Está dirigido a estudiantes de segundo, tercer o cuarto curso que tengan interés profesional en el marketing o la distribución de productos florales.

Sophia Schmidt

Iowa State University, Horticulture
Ball Horticultural Company Scholarship – $1,100

Sophia Schmidt of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a senior at Iowa State University, where she has developed a strong interest in herbaceous ornamental and vegetable breeding. After graduating in May 2025, Schmidt plans to further her education to obtain her doctorate in plant breeding or plant genomics and eventually join a private breeding company for ornamental or vegetable crops.

“The American Floral Endowment scholarship not only helps fund my education in horticulture at Iowa State University but also supports my pursuit of extracurricular experiences in horticulture that give me real-world work experience,” said Schmidt.

Acerca de la beca de Ball Horticultural Company
Ball Horticultural Company es una empresa líder a nivel internacional en el ámbito del cultivo, la producción y la distribución al por mayor de productos de floricultura. Ball ofrece a los cultivadores profesionales de todo el mundo los primeros brotes de color, follaje, frutos y formas para los mercados minorista y paisajístico. La beca de Ball Horticultural Company está destinada a estudiantes de tercer o cuarto curso que deseen desarrollar su carrera profesional en el ámbito de la floricultura comercial.

Timothy Langone

State University of New York (SUNY), Farmingdale, Horticultural Technology Management
BioWorks IPM/Sustainable Practices Scholarship – $1,700
Long Island Flower Growers Association (LIFGA) Scholarship – $1,500

Timothy Langone of North Bellmore, New York, is a senior at SUNY, Farmingdale, majoring in ornamental horticulture. As an employee for Old Westbury Gardens in New York for over two years, Langone has had the opportunity to work in cultivating historic plant material, which has heightened his interest in florals and their applications. He plans to continue his work there into the future. 

“I am absolutely thrilled to have been selected as a scholarship recipient,” Langone said. “The financial assistance will further my abilities to prosper in the horticulture industry, specifically by continuing my education in florals and their related topics.”

Acerca de la beca BioWorks para la gestión integrada de plagas (IPM) y las prácticas sostenibles
El BioWorks La beca «IPM/Prácticas Sostenibles» está destinada a estudiantes de segundo, tercer o cuarto curso que deseen desarrollar su carrera profesional en el ámbito de la floricultura. Los estudiantes son seleccionados en función de un buen rendimiento académico y una nota media de 3,0 o superior. Aunque no es obligatorio, se valora muy positivamente que el estudiante esté interesado en promover el uso de la gestión integrada de plagas (IPM) o de prácticas sostenibles, y se da preferencia a los candidatos que cumplan este requisito.

Sobre la beca de la Asociación de Productores de Flores de Long Island (LIFGA)
La beca de la LIFGA se creó en 2010. Los miembros de la LIFGA representan a productores y minoristas que promueven la investigación, la formación y la venta de plantas ornamentales en el mercado local. La beca de la LIFGA está destinada a estudiantes de la zona de Long Island/Nueva York que cursen estudios de horticultura ornamental en un centro de formación profesional o en una universidad de cuatro años.

Jamie Paige

University of New Hampshire, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
James Bridenbaugh Memorial Scholarship – $500
Jacob and Rita Van Namen Marketing Scholarship – $2,100

Jamie Paige of Woodbury, Connecticut, is a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire, majoring in sustainable agriculture and food systems. Her career plans after graduation include owning and operating a cut flower farm that produces flowers for local use and implements sustainable practices such as cover and rotational cropping in the growing methods. Paige also aspires to become an agricultural specialist for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a university extension program. 

“With these funds, I will be able to continue my studies at university and work towards a degree that will assist me in my future career in horticulture,” Paige said. “These scholarships assist in relieving the financial burden that college imposes.”

Acerca de la Beca Conmemorativa James Bridenbaugh:
Jim Bridenbaugh era especialista en flores y plantas frescas, y se dedicaba al diseño y a la presentación de ponencias en ferias y seminarios de diseño. Sus conocimientos sobre el sector floral, su estilo narrativo humorístico y la buena conexión que establecía con el público lo convirtieron en uno de los favoritos. Jim ocupó el cargo de presidente de la OFA entre 1989 y 1991. La beca Bridenbaugh está destinada a estudiantes de segundo, tercer o cuarto curso que deseen dedicarse profesionalmente al diseño floral y a la comercialización de flores y plantas frescas.

Acerca de la beca de marketing «Jacob y Rita Van Namen»:
La Beca de Marketing Jacob y Rita Van Namen se creó en enero de 1997. Jacob Van Namen es un auténtico emprendedor que ha construido un negocio multimillonario en el sector de la floricultura al por mayor. El objetivo de esta beca es formar a personas con conocimientos y creatividad que contribuyan a mejorar el sector de la floricultura. La Beca Van Namen exige que los estudiantes tengan interés profesional en el marketing agroindustrial y la distribución de productos florales, y que cursen su segundo, tercer o cuarto año de carrera.

Carla Quimson

California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly), Pomona, Landscape Architecture
CalFlowers Scholarship – $4,250

Carla Quimson of San Diego, California, is a junior at Cal Poly Pomona studying landscape architecture. She is a horticulturist overseeing the 22,000-foot native garden at the San Diego Natural History Museum. With a strong focus on community engagement, Quimson intends to use her education to further design cityscapes, emphasizing integrating native plantings and urban city agriculture, including Agrihoods, community gardens, and learning centers. 

“Receiving the CalFlowers scholarship allows me to fully dedicate myself to studying our native ecology without the financial burden,” said Quimson. “It means I can wholeheartedly pursue my passion for environmental learning and contribute to preserving our natural heritage.”

Jada Sanchez

Fresno State University, Agriculture Education
CalFlowers Scholarship – $4,250

Jada Sanchez of Santa Maria, California, is a sophomore at Fresno State, majoring in agriculture education and minoring in plant science. She owns and operates Jada’s Floriculture Designs and More. Sanchez plans to further her education to become an agriculture teacher and continue growing her business.

“Being a product of your generosity by receiving this scholarship allows me to pave the way to being in a position where I get to help others every day by fulfilling my goal of being an agriculture teacher,” Sanchez said.

Acerca de la beca CalFlowers:
La beca CalFlowers está destinada a estudiantes universitarios de grado que asisten a una universidad o colegio acreditado en California (con primera prioridad) o a un estudiante de grado residente en California que asiste a una universidad o colegio acreditado en otro lugar de los EE. UU. Los estudiantes no necesitan especializarse en un programa agrícola, pero deben demostrar un compromiso de buscar empleo en la industria de la floricultura después de la graduación. Es necesario contar con antecedentes laborales o una experiencia significativa de pasantía en floricultura si no se obtiene un título agrícola. Promedio de calificaciones (GPA) de 3.0 o superior. Fundada en 1941, la Asociación de Productores y Comercializadores de Flores de California (California Association of Flower Growers & Shippers) fomenta el éxito de la industria floral de California y es la principal asociación comercial floral en California, que presta servicios a los productores y a toda la cadena de suministro en el estado y en 47 estados de los EE. UU.

Cienna Tonini

Colorado State University, Floriculture
John Carew Memorial Scholarship – $2,200

Cienna Tonini of Fort Collins, Colorado, is a graduate student at Colorado State University, obtaining her master’s degree in floriculture. Following her education, Tonini plans to own a retail and wholesale greenhouse, producing edible and medicinal plant species. She is also considering a career in teaching, and educating at the college level about sustainable horticulture. 

“I am truly grateful to be awarded this scholarship because it will greatly support my college funds and future business savings, leading me one step closer to my dream. I am very thankful to my donors and am honored to be recognized.”

Sobre la Beca Conmemorativa John Carew
John Carew, exjefe del Departamento de Horticultura de la Universidad Estatal de Míchigan, dedicó su carrera a alentar y guiar a jóvenes horticultores. Desempeñó un papel fundamental en la creación de BPI en 1969. La beca Carew está abierta a estudiantes de posgrado en horticultura con interés en cultivos de invernadero.

Rebecca Juntunen

University of Florida at Milton, Plant Science
Carlson-Johnson Scholarship for Nontraditional Students – $1,300

Rebecca Juntunen of Pensacola, Florida, is a junior at the University of Florida at Milton studying plant science. Her areas of interest are annual and perennial flowers. Prior to returning to college for her second degree, Juntunen was a teacher for four years. Post-graduation, Juntunen plans to develop the annual growing department at her current company, Guerra Tree Farm Nursery, where she serves as assistant propagation manager.

“Receiving the Carlson-Johnson Scholarship means that I will be able to focus more of my time and effort in the fall on my plant science studies, providing financial support that will allow me to reduce my work hours and increase my number of credit hours,” Juntunen said. “This shifting in my credit hours will allow me to graduate earlier than expected and move directly into my horticulture field of choice, the seed preservation industry.”

Acerca de la Beca Carlson-Johnson para Estudiantes No Tradicionales:
Bárbara Carlson, junto con su esposo Will, fue fundamental en el establecimiento de la asociación comercial Bedding Plant International (BPI), que prestó servicio a cientos de horticultores. Fran Johnson disfrutó de una larga y productiva carrera en la empresa John Henry Co., una firma de impresión hortícola en Lansing, Míchigan. Fran también hizo muchas contribuciones significativas y prácticas de tiempo y talento a través de BPI para hacer avanzar la industria de los invernaderos. La beca Carlson-Johnson para estudiantes no tradicionales se otorga a estudiantes que regresan a la escuela después de una ausencia mínima de tres años y que tienen interés en plantas de cama y/o cultivos florales.

Lydia Grampp

Illinois State University, Horticulture
Earl Dedman Memorial Scholarship – $2,200

Lydia Grampp of Pontiac, Illinois, is a senior at Illinois State University majoring in horticulture and minoring in biology. She is interested in plant breeding and biotechnology. Grampp’s career goals include working in ornamental plant production, eventually becoming a flower farmer to operate a you-pick farm, as well as selling at farmer’s markets and designing event flowers.

“This scholarship allows me to follow my dreams of being a flower farmer,” Grampp said. “I can now be stress-free and can focus on getting internships and more involved in resume-building clubs.”

Acerca de la Beca Memorial Earl Dedman:
Earl Dedman fue propietario y operador de Mountainview Greenhouses en Woodinville, Washington, y fue expresidente de BPFI. Además de su participación en BPFI y BPI, Earl estuvo involucrado con los Productores de Flores del Estado de Montana, los Productores de Flores de Puget Sound y la Asociación Florícola de Washington. La Beca Earl Dedman se otorga a estudiantes de tercer o cuarto año que mantienen un promedio de calificaciones mínimo de 3.0 y están interesados en convertirse en productores de invernadero.

Francisco Garcia

College of DuPage, Valley City State University, Illinois, Horticulture
Dewar Family Scholarship Fund – $3,900
Suntory Flowers “Dream Big” Scholarship – $1,900

Francisco Garcia of Elgin, Illinois, is a senior at the College of DuPage at Valley City State University in Illinois. Garcia is majoring in business management with an emphasis on horticulture. He is the owner and operator of Chicago St. Sunflower Co., a three-acre micro farm and retail location in Elgin. Garcia’s special interests in the industry include greenhouse crop production, floral design, interior plantscaping, biophilic design, sustainability, and conservation. His career goals include advancing his business and teaching within the College of DuPage horticulture program.

“As a sustainability commissioner for my city, educator for local conservation organizations, volunteer board member of local groups, business owner, and student, this support allows me to excel in all of my roles,” Garcia said. “I am both extremely proud and grateful to receive this assistance as it makes everything possible.”

Sobre la Beca de la Familia Dewar:
El Fondo de Becas de la Familia Dewar se otorga a estudiantes universitarios de tercer o cuarto año que estudian horticultura ambiental con énfasis y enfoque en una carrera en floricultura. El fondo fue establecido por la Familia Dewar de Viveros Dewar, que fue establecida en 1963 por el fundador Alex Dewar con la visión de proporcionar plantas de primera calidad y un servicio al cliente ejemplar. La familia Dewar valora la importancia de una educación de calidad y se complace en alentar a los jóvenes profesionales a ingresar a la producción y los negocios de la floricultura con esta beca.

Sobre la beca “Dream Big” de Suntory Flowers:
La beca Suntory Flowers está destinada a estudiantes universitarios de tercer o cuarto año que asisten a una institución de 2 o 4 años, con un enfoque en una carrera en floricultura o mejoramiento o producción de horticultura ornamental, con pasión por la exploración en el desarrollo de productos florales nuevos e innovadores. Con sede en Japón, Suntory Flowers es una empresa de mejora genética de categoría mundial dedicada a la innovación y a enriquecer vidas creando un mundo lleno de flores. 

Charlotte Simmons

Tennessee Technological University, Agriculture
Ferriss Horticulture Scholarship – $2,100

Charlotte Simmons of Normandy, Tennessee, is a senior at the Tennessee Technological University majoring in agriculture with a focus on horticulture. Simmons has a special interest in ornamental horticulture, working in the field growing flowering landscape annuals/perennials and cut flowers. Her plans after college include obtaining a position in the nursery industry where she can further her interests in growing specialty blooming plants.

“Many people reading this will simply see a dollar amount on a check, but to me, this scholarship means greater opportunity to focus on my academics, volunteer, learn, and invest in my future in the floriculture industry,” Simmons said. “To all who have made this award possible, thank you for the way you have set me up for success.

Acerca de la beca Ferriss de horticultura:
La Beca Ferriss de Horticultura se concede anualmente a un estudiante de grado que acceda a su tercer o cuarto curso, que se esté especializando en horticultura o ciencias vegetales y que tenga interés profesional en las plantas ornamentales herbáceas y en el sector de la floricultura. La beca rinde homenaje y reconoce la labor de la Dra. Terry Ferriss, que se jubiló en 2015 de la Universidad de Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) tras 36 años de docencia. Fue la primera mujer con plaza fija en la Facultad de Agricultura y Ciencias Ambientales de la UWRF, la primera mujer en ocupar el cargo de directora del Departamento de Ciencias Vegetales y de la Tierra, y la primera mujer en desempeñar el cargo de vicedecana de la facultad.

Alexandra Cseri

University of Rhode Island, Plant Science and Wildlife & Conservation Biology
Garcia Family Scholarship – $3,400

Alexandra Cseri of New Hope, Pennsylvania, is a senior at the University of Rhode Island studying plant science. She will be a teaching assistant for field botany and taxonomy in her final year of college. Her future plans include focusing on marketing and distribution in the floral industry to develop sustainable packaging solutions and strengthen the efficiency of the floral supply chain.

“This scholarship not only supports my plant science education at the University of Rhode Island but also ignites my passion to pursue a career in the floral industry,” said Cseri. “I hope to make the most of this opportunity and invest it in my future and my future impacts in the horticultural field.”

Acerca de la Beca de la Familia García:
El Fondo de Becas de la Familia García está destinado a estudiantes que asisten a un colegio universitario de dos años, o estudiantes de tercer o cuarto año que asisten a una institución de cuatro años con un enfoque profesional en la comercialización o distribución de productos florales, incluyendo venta al por menor, al por mayor, fabricación y/o propiedad u operaciones de negocios florales. La Familia García ha servido con orgullo a la industria floral desde 1965. Propiedad de la familia García, Garcia Group, Inc. opera seis divisiones diferentes: Floral-Pak® Company; Plus One Imports™; Garcia Group Glass—productos de marca Floraglas® y G3®; Vase D’Lite® y Premium Wood Picks. Todos son representados exclusivamente por Pete Garcia Company™ THE BEST LINES IN THE WORLD®.

Sophia Mignery

Wilmington College, Agriculture
Harold Bettinger Scholarship – $2,200 

Sophia Mignery of Hamilton, Ohio, is a junior at Wilmington College in her home state. She is majoring in agriculture business with a double minor in sustainability and business management. Upon completing her education, Mignery plans to open and market her own cut flowers or edible flowers farm.

“Because of the generosity of the American Floral Endowment and its donors, I am able to pursue my dream of becoming a sustainable flower farmer, helping to someday supply others with beautiful and ethically sourced flowers,” Mignery said.

Acerca de la beca Harold Bettinger:
Harold Bettinger fue socio de Granjas Bettinger en Swanton, Ohio. A mediados de los años 50, fue uno de los primeros agricultores innovadores en cambiar la producción de plantas de vivero, pasando de las bandejas de madera a las de plástico. En la actualidad, Bettinger Farms cultiva hortalizas tanto en invernadero como al aire libre. La Beca Bettinger está destinada a estudiantes de horticultura, desde segundo curso hasta posgrado, que tengan una especialización o una asignatura secundaria en empresariales y/o marketing con la intención de aplicar su formación a una carrera profesional relacionada con la horticultura.

Julia Dahl

Cornell University, New York, Biological Sciences
Long Island Flower Growers Association (LIFGA) – Bob Gunther Scholarship – $1,300

Julia Dahl of Ithaca, New York, is a senior at Cornell University, majoring in biological sciences with a concentration in plant science. Dahl’s area of interest is plant propagation, specifically tissue culture and grafting of ornamental plants. Following a year working as a research assistant for the Boyce Thompson Institute on the Cornell University campus, Dahl is planning a career in agricultural research within the horticulture field. 

“This scholarship makes it possible for me to concentrate fully on my studies as I pursue my degree,” Dahl said. “It also enables me to pursue opportunities that expand my career possibilities and passion for horticulture.”

Acerca de la Asociación de Productores de Flores de Long Island (LIFGA) – Beca Bob Gunther
Esta beca se estableció en memoria del difunto Bob Gunther, propietario de Gunther’s Greenhouses & Florist en Oceanside, Nueva York. Está destinada a estudiantes de Long Island y Nueva York que estudian horticultura ornamental en un colegio comunitario o institución de cuatro años en Nueva York. Esto incluye floricultura, mantenimiento de paisajes, diseño de paisajes, césped y cualquier otro curso de estudio relacionado con la horticultura ornamental. Robert Edward “Bob” Gunther fue tesorero de la LIFGA durante muchos años y jugó un papel fundamental en el establecimiento de la primera beca de la LIFGA. Gunther recibió el premio a la trayectoria (Lifetime Achievement Award) de la LIFGA. Él y su hermano Fred se hicieron cargo del negocio familiar después del fallecimiento de su padre en 1969. Bob administró el negocio hasta su fallecimiento en 2015 a la edad de 85 años.

Patrick Veazie

North Carolina State University, Horticulture
Richard T. Meister Scholarship – $4,400

Patrick Veazie of Kannapolis, North Carolina, is a graduate student at North Carolina State University, where he is obtaining his PhD in horticulture. Veazie’s primary focus is greenhouse extension related to plant nutrition, soilless substrates, and plant growth regulators. He plans to become a grower specialist, providing technical support to growers within the floriculture and greenhouse crop industries. 

“Thank you to the contributors of the American Floral Endowment scholarship program who continue to support the next generation of industry members,” Veazie said. “This scholarship will allow me to continue to follow my passion for creating technical extension resources for greenhouse growers.”

Sobre la beca Richard T. Meister:
Dick Meister construyó una empresa familiar de publicaciones para productores especializados en horticultura comercial. Es un firme defensor del sistema universitario de concesión de tierras (land-grant) y, a lo largo de los años, trabajó en estrecha colaboración con muchos líderes de la horticultura y la floricultura. Esta beca está dedicada a los destacados logros de aquellos en la extensión universitaria y, especialmente, a Will Carlson en floricultura. La beca Meister está abierta a estudiantes de posgrado en floricultura que tengan la intención de seguir su carrera en el sistema universitario de concesión de tierras con interés en la investigación, la extensión o la enseñanza.

Rylee Brown

University of Arkansas, Agriculture
National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (NGMA) Scholarship – $600

Rylee Brown of West Plains, Missouri, is a junior at the University of Arkansas, completing her undergraduate studies in agriculture, majoring in horticulture, landscape, and turf sciences. Brown has a special interest in tomato production, breeding, and preserving heirloom tomato varieties and other vegetables and flowers. She plans to continue her education in graduate school with a career goal of working in greenhouse production or seed industries. 

“This scholarship is greatly appreciated by myself and my family,” Brown said. “As a junior at the University of Arkansas, I will be able to use this scholarship to help me finish out the last two years of my undergraduate education.”

Sobre la beca de la Asociación Nacional de Fabricantes de Invernaderos (NGMA):
El Asociación Nacional de Fabricantes de Invernaderos (NGMA) es una organización comercial profesional para fabricantes y proveedores de invernaderos y componentes de invernaderos construidos según códigos diseñados para las necesidades de un horticultor. La beca de la NGMA está dirigida a estudiantes que se especializan en horticultura y bioingeniería o su equivalente, que estén al menos en tercer año en una universidad acreditada de cuatro años y mantengan un promedio de calificaciones de 3.0.

Tanner Johnson

University of Saskatchewan, Canada, Agriculture
Mike and Flo Novovesky Scholarship – $3,100

Tanner Johnson of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, is a junior at the University of Saskatchewan majoring in horticulture science. He has a special interest in extension work. His focus is on fruiting horticulture crops, greenhouse and field vegetable production, nursery stock, floriculture, and cut flowers. Following graduation, Johnson plans to work as a horticulture extension specialist with horticulture producers and gardeners in Saskatchewan.

“I am overjoyed to have been selected for the Mike and Flo Novovesky Scholarship and to be a part of its continued legacy,” Johnson said. “Practically, this scholarship will help meet the direct financial needs that my wife and I carry while I’m in school. On a more personal level, the encouragement of having my passion for horticulture recognized is equally meaningful.”

Acerca de la beca Mike y Flo Novovesky:
Mike y Flo Novovesky han disfrutado de más de 30 años de participación activa en la industria de la floricultura. Los Novovesky conocen de primera mano las dificultades que una pareja joven debe superar al compaginar una carrera y una familia. Su fondo de becas tiene como objetivo ayudar a los estudiantes casados jóvenes que trabajan para pagarse los estudios universitarios y tienen un promedio de calificaciones de 2.5 o superior. Dependiendo de la disponibilidad de solicitantes casados, la beca también puede destinarse a un estudiante de pregrado que se esté pagando los estudios por su cuenta con necesidad financiera y obligaciones familiares. Las claves son un fuerte interés en la horticultura y la necesidad financiera.

Anya Nygaard

University of California, Davis, Environmental Science and Management
James K. Rathmell, Jr. Memorial Scholarship for Horticultural Work/Study Abroad – $4,100

Anya Nygaard of Laguna Niguel, California, is a junior at the University of California, Davis. She majors in environmental science and management with an emphasis on ecology, biodiversity, and conservation and minors in geographic information systems. Nygaard has a special interest in monitoring biodiversity and conservation while communicating the findings through data science and writing. With the help of the scholarship, Nygaard studied abroad to complete her university writing requirement at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland in the summer of 2024.

“This generous award has allowed me to focus more on my studies and fully enjoy my experience at my dream school,” Nygaard said.

Sobre la Beca Conmemorativa James K. Rathmell, Jr. para Trabajo/Estudio de Horticultura en el Extranjero:
Jim Rathmell fue un especialista en extensión de horticultura en la Universidad Estatal de Pensilvania que promovió la comunicación y la cooperación con horticultores de otros países. Autor de numerosas publicaciones, trabajó con productores comerciales para implementar muchos programas educativos destacados. La beca Rathmell se concede a estudiantes universitarios de tercer o cuarto año o a estudiantes de posgrado que tienen un plan específico de trabajo o estudio de horticultura fuera de los Estados Unidos.

Jesse Potts 

University of Florida, Horticulture
Ruby N. & Roland A. Whealy Memorial Scholarship – $2,100

Jesse Potts of Homestead, Florida, is a graduate student at the University of Florida, obtaining his PhD in Horticulture with a concentration in environmental horticulture. His research focuses on vanilla and petunia biotechnology development. Potts’ career goals include working in the horticulture industry, where he can develop novel plant varieties that can withstand the challenges of climate change. 

“I am truly honored to receive the Ruby N. & Roland A. Whealy Memorial Scholarship, which will significantly boost my research efforts currently underway in vanilla and petunia biotechnology development,” Potts said. “In endeavors toward the improvement of disease resistance, prolongation of the flowering period, and even the introduction of novel varieties, like glow-in-the-dark petunias, I would like to be part of sustainable and resilient horticultural practices that are very important for climate adaptation.

Acerca de la Beca Memorial Ruby N. y Roland A. Whealy:
Established by Dr. C. Anne Whealy, this scholarship honors her parents and their commitment to continued education and community service and ensures future generations are able to achieve their academic goals. It supports horticulture graduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a research focus on reducing the effects of changing climates on floriculture crops. This scholarship aims to support students doing work in this critical and impactful field. 

Nadia Phillips

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, Plant Science
Seed Companies Scholarship – $2,600

Nadia Phillips of Silver Bay, Minnesota, is a senior in the College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Sciences at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Phillips’ special interest is working within a plant breeding program, focusing on cover crops and agronomic crops. She is also interested in statistics, outreach/extension work in plant science, and forestry research. After graduation, Phillips would like to continue working in plant breeding programs. She intends to further her education in graduate school, focusing on plant breeding or agronomics.

“This scholarship is not only an honor but a weight off my shoulders, as I am a first-generation college student and pay for my college education solely by myself,” Phillips said. “I thank the donors greatly that chose to support students just like me to afford to pursue a university degree.”

Sobre la beca de las empresas de semillas:
Las empresas semilleras Ball, Pan-American, Goldsmith y Syngenta son líderes en la industria de la producción y mejoramiento de semillas, y proporcionan variedades nuevas y mejoradas. Estas empresas semilleras patrocinan conjuntamente esta beca. La beca de las empresas semilleras requiere que los estudiantes tengan una meta profesional dentro de la industria semillera y que sean estudiantes universitarios de tercer o cuarto año (junior o senior) o estudiantes de posgrado.

Cora Manica

Kansas State University, Horticulture
John L. Tomasovic, Sr. Scholarship – $1,600

Cora Manica of Shawnee, Kansas, is a senior at Kansas State University earning an undergraduate degree in horticulture with a concentration in greenhouse production. Her special interests are in cut flower and vegetable production in both greenhouses and outdoor field production. She plans to pursue a career in floriculture, small farm flower and cut vegetable production. She also hopes to travel internationally to help others around the world develop their own small farms.

“I’m so excited and honored to have received this scholarship, which will help me complete classes to pursue my dream and give back to others one day,” Manica said.

Sobre la beca John L. Tomasovic, Sr.:
John Tomasovic, expresidente de BPFI, ha hecho crecer su negocio familiar, Tomasovic Greenhouses and Nursery, Inc.., en St. Louis, que incluye un invernadero de la Exposición Universal de St. Louis de 1904. Producen plantas de temporada, junto con material de vivero, crisantemos, flor de pascua y bulbos. La beca Tomasovic ofrece consideración especial para estudiantes universitarios de segundo, tercer o cuarto año con necesidad financiera y un promedio de calificaciones de entre 3.0 y 3.5.

Loretta Klecker

Michigan State University, Horticulture
Edward Tuinier Memorial Scholarship – $5,300

Loretta Klecker of Watertown, Wisconsin, is a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in horticulture and minoring in business and plant, animal, and microbial biotechnology. Klecker’s focus is on breeding and growing ornamental flowering plants. After graduation, she plans to work in the floral area of horticulture. 

“This scholarship will go toward my continued education in horticulture at Michigan State University,” Klecker said. “It will help bring me one step closer to my goals, and I really appreciate it.”

Sobre la Beca Conmemorativa Edward Tuinier: 
Ed Tuinier, propietario de Post Gardens, amaba el negocio de los invernaderos, convirtiendo su empresa en una de las 50 principales empresas de EE. UU. e inspirando a sus hijos, todos los cuales trabajan en una de las dos ubicaciones de Post Gardens. Graduado de la Universidad Estatal de Michigan, Ed fue un importante benefactor del programa de horticultura y los jardines de demostración de la MSU. La beca Tuinier se otorga a estudiantes universitarios de segundo, tercer o cuarto año inscritos en el programa de floricultura en la Universidad Estatal de Michigan.

Abbie Wade

Ohio State University, Greenhouse and Nursery Management
Vocational (Bettinger, Holden & Perry) Scholarship – $1,600

Abbie Wade of Sandusky, Ohio, is a sophomore earning an Associate of Applied Science in the Agriculture Technical Institute at Ohio State University. Her area of interest includes vegetable, annual, and perennial production. Wade enjoys creating planters and hanging baskets. Her future career plans include working with the city greenhouse and eventually managing the business. She also would like to start a program with Sandusky City Schools to educate students and staff about horticulture and the careers available in the industry.

“Receiving this scholarship brings me one step closer to accomplishing not only my career goal, but my dream of managing my own greenhouse,” Wade said.

Acerca de la beca Vocational (Bettinger, Holden & Perry):
The Vocational (Bettinger, Holden & Perry) scholarship requires students to be in a one- or two-year program with the intent to become a grower or greenhouse manager. The vocational scholarship awards a scholarship in honor of: LEONARD BETTINGER, a successful greenhouse grower in the Granjas Bettinger empresa familiar en Toledo, Ohio, y presidente de la asociación comercial BPI (1974-76); JOHN HOLDEN, quien tuvo una larga carrera en Ball Seed Co.. and was active in the BPI trade association; JIM PERRY, a respected wholesale nurseryman, who grew Perry’s Plants of La Puente, Calif., into one of the largest bedding plant operations in the U.S and president of BPI (1972-1974).

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 AFE otorga becas anualmente, y las solicitudes deben presentarse antes del 1 de mayo of each year. Scholarship descriptions are available aquí.