Student Eligibility:
Students applying for AFE’s Vic & Margaret Ball Internships must be full-time, undergraduate students who are:
- Enrolled in a floriculture/environmental horticulture program at a 2- or 4-year college/university within the U. S.
- U.S. citizens.
- Maintaining a “C” or better GPA with satisfactory progress in a degree or certificate program.
- Able to complete their internship prior to graduation.
When and For How Long is the Internship?
- Internships are for a period of 3, 4 or 6 months (6 months encouraged).
- Winter or spring pot/bedding plant seasons (Dec.-June) are encouraged. Three-month internships are allowed if location is deemed to provide valuable production experience.
Where Are the Locations of the Internships?
Internship Hosts are successful floriculture production greenhouses within the United States.- Internships must be performed in a geographic region other than the student’s home or school location.
** Transportation costs to and from the location and housing expense are the student’s responsibility; however, a $500 advance ($1,500 for six-month interns) can be requested to help with travel and housing expenses.
What Else is Required?
Students in the Vic & Margaret Ball Program must:
Agree to and fulfill the responsibilities assigned by the employer for the internship time period.- Submit a 500-word report, evaluating the experience within 30 days of completing the Program. Reports are shared with the AFE board, posted on the AFE website, and used for program promotion.
- Pictures should be included with the report of the student working at the intern location.
- Secure permission to interrupt studies for the length of the training period when required by the university.
- Perform the internship within 12 months of being awarded, but complete before graduation.
- During the internship students must submit video updates as required.
Why Become a Vic & Margaret Ball Intern?
- Have an opportunity to train at top floriculture industry facilities.
- Benefit from a paid internship providing diverse, hands-on experiences.
- Develop new, critical skills, improving employment opportunities.
- Gain insight into future career directions.
- Receive a significant cash grant upon satisfactory completion.
- Hear from a past Ball intern about how much she enjoyed her internship experience!
How Does a Student Apply?
- Complete the online application.
- Submit by email:
- An official transcript from all institutions attended.
- A personal statement (by the student) explaining reasons for applying and future career goals.
- A letter of recommendation and endorsement by a faculty member.
It is recommended that the faculty member submit by email the transcript, personal statement and their recommendation letter on your behalf.
