Vic & Margaret Ball Internship – Student Information

Hear from Vic & Margaret Ball Interns!

This program gives students the opportunity to gain practical floriculture/horticulture experience while training at a commercial production greenhouse or nursery. Wondering what an internship is like? Watch the video to hear from AFE interns!

Student Eligibility:

Students applying for AFE’s Vic & Margaret Ball Internships must be full-time, undergraduate students who are:

• Enrolled in a floriculture/environmental horticulture program at a 2- or 4-year college/university within the U. S.
• U.S. citizens.
• Maintaining a “C” or better GPA with satisfactory progress in a degree or certificate program.
• Able to complete their internship prior to graduation.

When and For How Long is the Internship?

• Internships are for a period of 3, 4 or 6 months (6 months encouraged).
• Winter or spring pot/bedding plant seasons (Dec.-June) are encouraged. Three-month internships are allowed if location is deemed to provide valuable production experience.

Where Are the Locations of the Internships?

• Internship Hosts are successful floriculture production greenhouses within the United States.
• Internships must be performed in a geographic region other than the student’s home or school location.
• Transportation costs to and from the location and housing expense are the student’s responsibility; however, a $500 advance ($1,500 for six-month interns) can be requested to help with travel and housing expenses.

What Else is Required?

Students in the Vic & Margaret Ball Program must:

• Agree to and fulfill the responsibilities assigned by the employer for the internship time period.
• Submit a 500-word report, evaluating the experience within 30 days of completing the Program. Reports are shared with the AFE board, posted on the AFE website, and used for program promotion.
• Pictures should be included with the report of the student working at the intern location.
• Secure permission to interrupt studies for the length of the training period when required by the university.
• Perform the internship within 12 months of being awarded, but complete before graduation.
• During the internship students must submit video updates as required.

Why Become a Vic & Margaret Ball Intern?

• Have an opportunity to train at top floriculture industry facilities.
• Benefit from a paid internship providing diverse, hands-on experiences.
• Develop new, critical skills, improving employment opportunities.
• Gain insight into future career directions.
• Receive a significant cash grant upon satisfactory completion.
• Hear from a past Ball intern about how much she enjoyed her internship experience!

How Does a Student Apply?

• Complete the online application.
• Submit the additional documents through the form or email:
  • An official transcript from all institutions attended.
  • A personal statement (by the student) explaining reasons for applying and future career goals.
  • A letter of recommendation and endorsement by a faculty member.

It is recommended that the faculty member submit by email the transcript, personal statement and their recommendation letter on your behalf.

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