News
Press Release: Applications Now Open for Graduate Scholarships!
December 13, 2022
Calling All Floral Industry Faculty, Students, and Department Chairs!
The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is excited to announce applications are now open for the Altman Family Scholarship and the Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship.
These 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. Learn more at Endowment.org/floriculture-msphd-scholarship.
Applications are due by Wednesday, February 1, 2023!
The Altman Family Scholarship was established by Ken and Deena Altman — owners of Altman Plants — who support numerous efforts to improve education and research for the industry.
They are highly appreciative of the horticulture field and established the Center for Applied Horticultural Research as an effort to help the industry. These scholarships help to inspire and enable students to pursue their dreams of a career in horticulture with an annual scholarship of $5,000.
“Especially after being a recipient, I want others to have the opportunities that I have been given. I found access to amazing scholarships, internships, and grants through AFE – I want others to know what’s out there,” said one of our 2021 Altman Family Scholars, Mason Marshall.
“This award will allow me so many opportunities to network with growers, wholesalers, and scientists…It’s really nice to think that with our research, we can bring solutions for the growers of an industry that loads of families depend on,” she said. “Just to think you can make an impact in such a big industry is super amazing.”
Melissa Muñoz, one of our 2022-ecke-altman-scholarship-recipients is researching how to explain at a physiological and molecular level how calcium combats Botrytis blight.
The Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship honors the late Paul Ecke, Jr., who made significant contributions to the floriculture industry and believed strongly in research and education.He was concerned about the future of floriculture and recognized that innovative researchers and educators are necessary for the continued success of the industry.
“AFE supports every aspect of the industry. It’s encouraging to have an organization that has your back helping students, young professionals, and businesses alike,” noted the 2021 Paul Ecke, Jr. recipient, Caleb Spall, who was awarded second year funding in 2022. Students can apply online by Wednesday, February 1, 2023.
One student will receive $5,000 for two consecutive years ($10,000 total), providing that they continue to meet requirements for this duration and submit an annual update.
Students can apply online by Wednesday, February 1, 2023!
