Big Help on Campus: AFE Scholarships
With the ever-rising cost of tuition, scholarship money is increasingly important. The next crop of floral industry professionals can tap into funds to help finance their floral education through two internships from the American Floral Endowment (AFE).
The internships and their subsequent scholarships are more relevant than ever, according to Sten Crissey, vice president of development and industry relations for AFE. "People who don't know the industry won't be attracted to the industry," he says. With that philosophy in mind, the internships provide first-hand experience while simultaneously padding students' pockets.
Students interested in working at a commercial production greenhouse or nursery can apply for the Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program. Established in 1992, the scholarship funds training at U.S. floriculture production greenhouses. Since its inception, the program has provided scholarships to more than 100 students.
Ball internships typically last six months, although three- and four- month programs are available. Internships must be performed in a geographic region other than the student's home or school location. The winter or spring pot/bedding plant seasons from December through June are ideal for students to soak up industry techniques, according to AFE's Web site. After completing the program, students are eligible for up to $6,000 in scholarship money.
Students also can apply for the Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Program, which provides professional training for floriculture and environmental horticulture students, including business students planning careers in the floral industry. Mosmiller Scholars receive paid training and a $2,000 grant upon successful program completion.
Created in 1975, the scholarship was named in honor of former AFE Chairman Col. Walter E. Mosmiller, Jr. and his wife of Richmond, Va.
The deadline for both fall scholarships is Oct. 1.
Your Homework: Interested in becoming a host employer? Contact AFE for more information.
--Morgan Schimminger
mschimminger@safnow.org
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