AFE Announces Internship Awards

Seven students have been selected to receive paid internships through the American Floral Endowment’s (AFE) Internship Programs.

In March, five students were awarded Vic & Margaret Ball (production) Internships and two students were awarded a Mosmiller (retail) Internship. Each will also receive scholarships after successfully completing their paid internships, lasting three to six months.

“AFE’s internship programs provide students with the hands-on experience students need to put their classroom knowledge to use in the real world and prepare them for the workplace after graduation while providing the industry with top talent,” says AFE Executive Director, Debi Chedester. “By hosting an intern, each participating organization has the opportunity to bring bright and eager young professionals to their own operations.”

The Vic & Margaret Ball Internship Program was established in 1992 by the late Vic and Margaret Ball to provide the opportunity to train for three, four or six-month periods at a commercial production greenhouse or nursery while gaining practical floriculture/horticulture experience.

This year’s recipients include:

• Austin Vonkutzleben, University of Georgia – six months at Skagit Horticulture, LLC in Mt. Vernon, Washington, $6,000 scholarship.
• Erin Sparkman, Mississippi State University – three months at Neal Mast Greenhouses, Grand Rapids, Michigan, $1,500 scholarship.
• Katherine Myres, University of Arkansas –three months at Neal Mast Greenhouses, Grand Rapids, Michigan, $1,500 scholarship.
• Renata Goossen, Kansas State University – four months at Green Circle Growers, Oberlin, Ohio, $4,000 scholarship.
• Sarah Chance, University of Georgia – six months at Northcreek Nurseries, Landenberg, Pennsylvania, $6,000 scholarships.

The Mosmiller Internship Program allows interns to train at leading retail, wholesale or allied trade operations for a period of 10-16 weeks, getting valuable on-the-job work experience.

This year’s recipients are:

• Kelsey Brazelton, University of Arkansas –internship at Dr. Delphinium, Dallas, Texas, $2,000 scholarship.
• Keri Knott, Virginia Tech – internship at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, $2,000 scholarship.

Students have another opportunity to apply in 2019. The deadline for the next cycle of applications is Oct. 1, 2019. Learn more here.