OFA Announces Winners of Scholars Program

OFA – an Association of Horticulture Professionals – has selected six students to serve as the year’s OFA Scholars. This rigorous competition identifies some of the industry’s brightest young professionals and helps launch their careers in floriculture by providing education and networking opportunities.

The OFA Scholars Program aims to provide students with an enriching professional development experience that increases their knowledge, industry awareness and career enthusiasm. It’s a great opportunity for students to launch their careers by securing internships, researching future employment opportunities and networking.

This year’s scholars are Alicain Carlson, North Carolina State University; QiuXia Chen, Kansas State University; Carola De La Torre, The Ohio State University; Gretchen Giles, Michigan State University; Jongyun Kim, University of Georgia; and Nathan Thompson, The Ohio State University.

These students will attend the 2009 OFA Short Course (July 11 to 14 in Columbus, Ohio) and receive complimentary OFA Short Course registration, lodging and meals. Scholars will assist the OFA Generation Next Committee with events and educational sessions, attend the trade show and educational sessions, meet with industry mentors and network at various social events. They also will receive a complimentary one-year OFA membership.

The OFA Scholars Program is open to undergraduate and graduate students majoring in horticulture or a related field, attending two- and four-year colleges and universities throughout the United States. Students must complete an online application and submit one faculty letter of recommendation.

For more information on the program and this year’s OFA Scholars, including biographies and photos, visit www.ofa.org/scholars.