The Value of AFE’s Young Professionals Council

Professional Development, Networking, and Growth One of the best ways to ensure a brighter future for our industry is investing in the next generation of young professionals. Every which way you turn, you’ll find exceedingly bright minds and eager youth, ready to take on the next challenge. Facilitating their career development and a path for success is at the forefront of the American Floral Endowment’s priorities. Enter our Young Professionals Council (YPC) – an interactive group of like-minded industry members between 21 and 35 looking to advance their careers, gain leadership skills, and advance the floral industry together. Since 2015, the YPC has offered networking, volunteer, and educational opportunities through events, webinars, meetings, and more to help drive successful careers…

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…

Exploring Industry Careers for Young Professionals

An In-Depth Examination by YPC Member, Michael Wijesinghe Industry Survey Results Starting a professional career often leaves one feeling flush with emotion. Whether it is excitement, anxiety, or a combination of the two, the American Floral Endowment’s Young Professionals Council strives to be better equipped to enter the workforce. In the fall of 2021, AFE circulated a survey to gather more career-focused information on experience, background, and advice from current industry professionals. The results were presented and discussed during a YPC webinar conducted by AFE in November of 2021. Presented is the sum of what we learned from the survey and webinar. About the Respondents  Data was collected from 104 respondents within AFE’s community who represent a diverse range of fields…

Internship Experiences Providing Skills for Success

2021 AFE Internship Awards and PlacementsThe future looks bright! Let’s kickstart 2022 with some excitement, positive vibes, and industry successes – join us in congratulating ten dedicated students who rocked their internships in 2021 through AFE’s internship programs. With valuable industry experience under their belt, they’ve not only gained crucial skills but are eager to learn more and make significant impacts in the future.Internships are win-win for floral industry organizations and students – while students can apply, practice, and expand their knowledge, industry organizations acquire top talent and bring new, forward-thinking to their operations. Opportunities such as these are integral to developing young professionals’ skills and the future of our industry. AFE is thrilled to facilitate these experiences through our internship…

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…

Exploring Academic Careers for Young Professionals

An In-Depth Examination by YPC Member, Michael Wijesinghe Academic Survey Results Academic roles in horticulture and floriculture are vital to the future of our industry. They ensure that the next generation has opportunities to learn about and enter our industry. The American Floral Endowment’s Young Professionals Council surveyed 22 academic professionals who work in floriculture and horticulture —a great response from AFE’s faculty network. With various backgrounds, experiences, and years in their positions, these survey respondents provided both guidance and reasonable expectations for young adults considering or preparing for a career in academia within our industry. The good news is that the results show several institutions plan to hire within their floriculture/horticulture departments in the next 1-3 years – more…

Career Insights for Young Professionals

Survey Results and Webinar RecordingThis fall, the Endowment created two informal surveys for professionals in the industry and academia about their experiences and advice to help young professionals interested in pursuing a career in floriculture/horticulture. The surveys include insights on the job market, career development, application advice, background on how professionals attained their current roles, and more. The surveys were released to AFE’s community of faculty, donors, and industry members.With the help of our Young Professionals Council (YPC) through member Michael Wijesinghe, AFE analyzed the data and compiled the results into two executive summaries, one for the Industry Survey and one for the Academic Survey. We are pleased to release these resources for young professionals interested in careers in our…

Floral Design Grants Offer Scholarships to Floral Design Students

James and Helen Phillip Scholarship Fund Awards $33,000 We have awarded $33,000 in block grants to five colleges and universities through the James and Helen Phillip Floral Design Scholarship Fund for the 2021-22 academic year.James and Helen PhillipEstablished to honor James and Helen Phillip by their daughter Lee Phillip Bell, the Grant provides scholarship assistance to students enrolled in floral design programs.  Initially funded in 2008, the program leaves a legacy honoring The Phillips that supports the education of students and intends to create a pool of trained workers to fill positions in retail flower shops. The James and Helen Phillip Floral Design Scholarship Fund prioritizes funding for colleges and universities in the Great Lakes region; however, these grants are also…

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…

AFE Career Center Providing Vital Exposure for Industry Positions and Top Talent

The AFE Career Center is an industry-wide employment platform that connects floral businesses with eager job seekers. Since our launch in 2020, we have provided an intuitive space where employers can find an ideal candidate pool – offering convenient functionality to attract, screen, and manage applicants. Filling a position is easy with well over 1,000 job views/direct clicks every month! Job seekers can find numerous opportunities to advance their career with 1,917 (and counting!) LIVE jobs ready for application. Our opportunities range from internships to leadership positions and welcome applicants at all stages of their careers. Streamline the search process with job alerts, search features, resume management, and numerous career resources.From floral designers to growers, marketing, or logistics…no matter what your needs are,…

Get Involved with AFE

Make an Impact

Ways to Give

Volunteer With Us

Opportunities