AFE 2019 Altman Family Scholars

AFE’s 2019 Altman Family Scholars: Paul Cockson, Yiyun Lin, and David TorkThe Altman Family Scholarship was created in 2015 by Ken and Deena Altman—owners of Altman Plants—as one of the numerous efforts supported by the couple to improve education and research for the industry. The scholarship provides $5,000 to assist in funding the education of full-time graduate students (MS or Ph.D.) who will become leading floricultural scientists and educators. Ken Altman has been actively involved in AFE’s Education and Scholarship Committees and has served on the AFE Board for more than a decade, currently in an Emeritus status.This year, the Altman Fund is supporting three graduate students currently enrolled in masters programs at leading institutions. All three not only are already engaged in…

Seven Students Awarded AFE Intern Scholarships

Seven students selected to receive AFE internships from the March cycle of applicants. Five students were awarded Vic & Margaret Ball Internships and two students were awarded a Mosmiller Internship. Each will receive scholarships after successfully completing their paid internships, lasting between three to six months. It’s a win-win for the industry – students can apply their knowledge, while industry organizations bring top talent and fresh thinking to their operation. “AFE’s internship programs provide students with the hands-on experience students need to put their classroom knowledge to use in the real world and prepare them for the workplace after graduation while providing the industry with top talent,” says AFE Executive Director, Debi Chedester. “By hosting an intern, each participating organization has the opportunity to…

Now Accepting Applications for 2020 Scholarships

Applications are now being accepted for 24 different scholarships through the American Floral Endowment (AFE)., junior, senior and graduate students studying floriculture and horticulture must submit their applications online by the May 1 deadline.Abigail Keairns – Murray State University 2019 Armellini Scholarship recipientScholarships range from $500 to $6,000.In 2019, the Endowment awarded up to $42,300 in scholarships.“AFE strives to support the next generation of industry members in any way we can. One of the ways we do this is through awarding scholarships to help ease their financial burdens,” said Greg Royer, Chairman of Royers Flowers & Gifts and AFE Education Committee Chair.More than 24 scholarships are awarded to assist students in pursuing a career in horticulture or floriculture. Scholarships are available for students…

AFE Awards More than $42,800 in 2018 Scholarships

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) has awarded 21 students with scholarships totaling $42,800. Eighty- seven applications were received for this 2018 scholarship cycle.“We had many outstanding students apply for scholarships this year, which is why some scholarships were awarded to two recipients,” said Dwight Larimer, AFE Chairman and Education Committee Chair.“I’m proud to see the high quality of students each year and I enjoy granting scholarships to these well-deserved students to help them continue their education and become passionate industry leaders.”AFE awards scholarships annually and applications are due by May 1 of each year.Scholarship descriptions are available at endowment.org/scholarships. American Florists’ Exchange Scholarship — $2,500Recipient: Helena Dondero – California Polytechnic State, San Luis ObispoA junior majoring in agricultural science with an…

Two Students Receive Altman Family Scholarships

Two students were awarded $5,000 scholarships from the 2018 Altman Family Scholarship Fund.Krishna Bhattarai, a Ph.D student at the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, and Nathan Nordstedt, of The Ohio State University were both awarded the 2018 scholarship for their exemplary work and outstanding dedication to their floriculture studies.The Altman Family Scholarship was created in 2015 by Ken and Deena Altman (owners of Altman Plants) and assists in funding the education of floriculture graduate students (MS or Ph.D.), who will become leading floricultural scientists and educators.Krishna Bhattarai“I’m inspired when I review these applications,” said Ken Altman.  “Every single student was extremely deserving of a scholarship”.Krishna Bhattarai is a doctoral student at the University of Florida with…

2018 Paul Ecke Jr. Scholarship Announced

Melissa Muñoz, a Master of Science student at Clemson University, was awarded the 2018 Paul Ecke Jr., Scholarship Award — a $10,000 scholarship ($5,000 for two consecutive years).  She will be continuing for her Ph.D. upon completion of her Masters degree.“There were a record number of applications for the second year in a row, which shows the growing interest and need for these scholarships. The high quality of students is a testament to their exceptional determination and passion, and I am confident these future leaders will help the industry progress,” said Greg Royer, AFE Chairman and Education Committee Chair.Melissa Munoz, 2018 Paul Ecke, Jr.Scholarship RecipientMelissa graduated from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia sede Medellin in 2016 and is currently enrolled…

Applications for 2018 Scholarships Due May 1

Applications are now being accepted for more than 20 different AFE scholarships.Emily Currens, University of Georgia 2017 John L. Tomasovic Sr. Scholarship recipientSophomore, junior, senior and graduate students studying floriculture and horticulture must submit their applications online by the May 1 deadline.Scholarships range from $500 to $6,000.Two new scholarships were recently established with AFE, so even more opportunities are available to qualified students.In 2017, the Endowment awarded 20 students with scholarships totaling more than $36,000.“Awarding scholarships to students is a primary function of AFE. We understand the financial burden they face and are doing our part to help them,” said Dwight Larimer, AFE Chairman and Education Committee Chair.Applications and all supporting materials must be submitted to AFE by May 1.Click…

Two New 2018 Scholarships Established

The Endowment is pleased to announce that two new scholarships have been established, just in time for the 2018 scholarship application season!These new scholarships join the 21 other scholarships awarded annually to promote and assist young professionals joining the floral and horticultural industries.The application deadline for all AFE scholarships is May 1. Click here for more information.Click on the links below to download the press release for each scholarship.Long Island Flower Growers Association — Bob Gunther Memorial ScholarshipBob GuntherThis scholarship was established in memory of the late Bob Gunther, owner of Gunther’s Greenhouses & Florist in Oceanside, New York.It is intended for students from Long Island and New York who are studying ornamental horticulture at a community college or four-year institution…

Applications Being Accepted for Two MS/Ph.D. Scholarships

The Endowment is now accepting applications for the Altman Family Scholarship and the Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship.Their application deadlines are Feb. 1, 2018. Deena and Ken AltmanThese merit-based, prestigious scholarships are for graduate students who have the skills and passion to become leading floricultural scientists and educators.Applicants must be in the process of successfully completing either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in horticulture or a related field (e.g., agricultural engineering, entomology, agricultural marketing and economics, plant pathology, etc.) and must have the intention of pursuing an MS or Ph.D. degree on a full-time basis.Applicants attending land-grant universities will automatically be considered for the Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship. All others will qualify for the Altman Family Scholarship.The Altman Family Scholarship was…

Bringing Top Talent to the Floral Industry

AFE is once again aiming to attract young business professionals to the world of flowers through its Business Internship Program, now in its third year.An Employer Resource Guide that was created to help companies build a successful internship program is also available, with easy-to-use guidelines and steps to create meaningful learning experiences for the next generation of business leaders.Now’s your chance to host an intern and help eager students contribute to your organization and the floral industry!With support from participating industry organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada, students will gain practical business experience and develop essential skills to help the floral industry prosper.Open to manufacturers, wholesalers/suppliers, retail floral shops, importers and growing operations, AFE will provide host employers with full-time…

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