Twenty Students Awarded AFE Scholarships

We have awarded 20 students with scholarships totaling $54,400. In this 2022 scholarship cycle, which introduced a brand-new online application platform, 65 applications were received from 40 colleges and universities. We would like to give a special thank you to the 47 industry members who reviewed and scored the applications.We are aware the floral industry faces significant and ongoing challenges to our labor force. Now more than ever, these programs are imperative in helping support new professionals as they prepare to enter the industry workforce and launch a successful career. With these scholarship opportunities, we are keeping floriculture and horticulture competitive with other career paths by granting avenues for financial support ensuring that the industry can continue to attract and retain…

A Thank You to AFE’s 2022 Scholarship Review Team

The American Floral Endowment’s Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarship programs are the cornerstone of uplifting the next generation of industry leaders.This past year, we launched a new platform for scholarship applications, making our over 30 undergraduate and graduate scholarship opportunities more accessible than ever. With responsive features, upload options, automatic save, reference tracking, and an equally intuitive portal for reviewers, the new platform saw 65 applications in 2022.It is with the help of 47 industry members turned volunteer reviewers that AFE has awarded 20 emerging young professionals a scholarship. We are incredibly appreciative of the time, effort, and thorough consideration each of our reviewers gave to processing applications and testing this new platform. We could not do what we do without…

2022 Paul Ecke, Jr. & Altman Family Scholarship Recipients

Shaping the Future of the Industry The graduate work of this year’s Paul Ecke, Jr. and Altman Family Scholarship recipients is already reshaping the floriculture and horticulture industry with improvements for growers and environmental benefits. Congratulations to the 2022 Recipients! These five outstanding scholars – each with resumes listing numerous accomplishments in fieldwork, academic presentations, and published research – have contributed to the growing scientific understanding of the industry. Equally important, they have used their nascent platforms to share knowledge with growers, ensuring that positive change is swiftly implemented. All have a dedicated love for plants and flowers that was instilled in them from an early age. All have a deep curiosity for the science that can be harnessed to…

Apply With Ease! Our New Platform for Scholarship Applications

We are now accepting applications for our nearly 30 Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships through a brand-new online platform. This new platform will increase ease for both students and reviewers creating a shorter path to funding. With responsive features, upload options, automatic save, and tracking for references, students can complete and review their applications with confidence all in one place.“AFE takes great pride in providing funding for our industry’s future leaders and innovators. This platform will provide them a more convenient space to put their best foot forward. We hope that streamlining our platform to keep up with tech advancements will encourage more students to apply and take interest in all that the floral industry has to offer,” said AFE Education Committee…

AFE Application Deadlines Calendar

Mark your calendars! Deadlines for our scholarship, internship, research proposal, and educational grant applications are listed below and are consistent year-to-year unless otherwise announced. Click an opportunity to learn more and apply. Free deadline posters are available for your download below. February 1Paul Ecke Jr. and Altman Family Scholarships March 1James & Helen Phillip Floral Design GrantMosmiller InternshipVic & Margaret Ball InternshipMay 1Undergrad & Graduate ScholarshipsJune 1Educational GrantsAugust 1Gus Poesch Research GrantScientific Research ProposalsOctober 1Arizona Retail Florist GrantMosmiller InternshipRetail Florist Continued Education GrantVic & Margaret Ball InternshipApplications Accepted Year-RoundBusiness Internships  Deadline PostersBelow are free posters for your convenience so you can get your applications in on time, every time. Each poster has the same information, just click your favorite design, then right-click to…

Suntory Flowers Partners with AFE to Establish a New Scholarship

Inspiring Innovation for UndergraduatesAdditional funding opportunities are now available for junior and senior undergraduates through the Suntory Flowers “Dream Big!” Scholarship. This scholarship is established by Suntory Flowers to inspire innovation and encourage students to explore the many possibilities available to them within the floral industry. This scholarship joins 27 other scholarships available through the American Floral Endowment (AFE).Suntory Flowers is establishing this scholarship as a part of their 20th Anniversary celebration. While Suntory celebrates their many achievements in innovation through flower breeding and genetics, they continue to spread the joy of gardening. Their dedicated network of unrooted cuttings producers and young plant operations around the globe, ensure that every grower and retailer has easy and reliable access to clean…

Supporting Future Generations of Floriculture: The Dewar Family Scholarship Fund

A new scholarship fund has been established through the American Floral Endowment (AFE) to support future generations of students interested in pursuing a career in floriculture. This scholarship joins 26 other scholarships available through the Endowment.The newly established Dewar Family Scholarship Fund will be awarded to an undergraduate student (or students) in their junior or senior year, studying environmental horticulture with an emphasis and focus on a career in floriculture. The fund is established by the Dewar Family of Dewar Nurseries.Dewar Nurseries was established in 1963 by founder Alex Dewar, with the vision of providing premier plants and exemplary customer service. The Dewar Family appreciates the value of a quality education and is excited to encourage young professionals to enter…

Twenty-One Students Awarded AFE Scholarships

ALEXANDRIA, VA – October 13th, 2021 – The American Floral Endowment (AFE) has awarded 21 students with scholarships totaling $54,500. In this 2021 scholarship cycle, 57 applications were received and reviewed. AFE is aware the floral industry faces significant challenges to our labor force. Now more than ever, these programs are imperative in helping support new professionals enter the industry and launch a successful career. “With the pool of high-quality candidates that AFE receives every year, it is inspiring to see the passion these scholars demonstrate in their work, study, and research,” said Greg Royer, AFE Treasurer/Secretary and Education Committee Chair. “AFE takes great pride in providing scholarships for these promising industry members, and we look forward to seeing where…

Paul Ecke, Jr. & Altman Family Scholarship Recipients

Flourishing Industry Prodigies Meet the future of the floral industry; this year’s Paul Ecke, Jr. and Altman Family Scholarship Recipients.  These recipients started out like many of us — unassuming, young, soon-to-be plant people searching for a purposeful path in life. Somewhere along the way, each sprouted a love for the world of flowers and plants. And now, they’re trenching a better future for all of us through their impressive experience in new research projects, academia, and spreading plant knowledge.  Albeit young, their resumes are packed with experience in the field. These flower fanatics aren’t shy about their love for immersing themselves in industry issues and searching for real, practical solutions.  With technology, sustainability, and possibilities on the brain, all…

Announcing AFE’s 2021 Scholarship Applications!

The American Floral Endowment is now accepting applications for 2021 AFE Scholarships The deadline to apply is May 1st  APPLY NOW! Emily Kolbe – University of Wisconsin 2020 Ferris Horticulture Scholarship Recipient Applications are now being accepted for 24 different scholarships through the American Floral Endowment (AFE). Both undergraduate and graduate students studying floriculture and horticulture are welcome and encourages to submit their applications by the May 1 deadline. Scholarships range from $500 to $6,000. All supporting students in our industry. NEW APPLICATION FORMS!  AFE has developed separate application forms for undergraduate scholarships versus graduate scholarships. Please be sure to complete the correct application form. Failure to submit the correct application form will lead to disqualification. Scholarships are broken down into three categories: Scholarships for undergraduate students only. Scholarships…

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