News
Supporting the Programs that Educate and Connect Our Industry
September 17, 2026
From supporting students and educators to expanding access to industry training, AFE’s educational grants help bring valuable learning opportunities to communities across the floral industry. This year, 16 organizations were awarded to support the industry and academia.
Many AFE-funded projects focus on engaging the next generation or addressing important industry needs. This year’s funding will support programs ranging from hands-on workshops and courses to national conferences and online training, creating opportunities for students, educators, and industry professionals to learn, connect, and grow.
“Education is one of the best ways we can invest in the future of our industry,” said AFE Education Committee Chair Adam Van Winkle of Stadium Flowers. “These grants give organizations the resources to expand their programs and reach more people. It’s exciting to see the variety of projects we’re able to support this year.”
2026-27 Educational Grants Awarded to:
- America in Bloom – 2027 Educational Symposium
- American Society for Horticultural Science – Student and Early Career Support for 2027 ASHS Annual Conference
- College of DuPage – High School Floral Career Development Event (CDE) *
- Great Lakes Floral Association – 2027 Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo *
- Iowa State University – Midwest Greenhouse Short Course
- Joliet Junior College Foundation – Growing the Talent Pipeline: JJC at the Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo *
- National Floriculture Forum – 2027 National Floriculture Forum
- Oklahoma State University – Cultivating the Future: Reestablishing Floriculture Education at OSU *
- Purdue University – Modernizing Virtual Field Trips for Floriculture Education: Showcasing Innovation and Globalization
- Seed Your Future – Careers in Bloom: Bringing Floral Careers into the Classroom
- South Dakota Floral Association – 2027 South Dakota Florists Association Annual Convention *
- The Ohio State University – E-Gro Alert and Blogs
- The Ohio State University – Ohio Floriculture and Nursery Education Conference
- University of Florida – The 11th Independent Plant Breeders Conference (IPBC)
- Wisconsin & Upper Michigan Florists Association – 2027 Annual Convention *
- WFFSA (Wholesale Florists and Floral Suppliers Association) – WFFSA Sustainability Education Initiative
*Funded through Meinders Retail Florist Education Grant Fund
Together, these programs create opportunities for students, educators, and industry professionals to gain new skills, share ideas, and explore new possibilities within the floral industry. All of these incredible organizations are being supported by our grants totaling $75,000. AFE is proud to support the organizations making these opportunities possible and looks forward to seeing the impact of their work in classrooms, greenhouses, conferences, and communities across the country.
Applications for educational grants are due June 1 each year. Learn more and apply here.
