ALEXANDRIA, VA – Are you a current or future graduate student with the skills and passion to become the next notable floriculture researcher or educator? If so, apply for the Paul Ecke Jr. M.S./Ph.D. Scholarship Program through the American Floral Endowment (AFE) now through Feb. 1, 2015. Applications are available online.
The scholarship honors the late Paul Ecke Jr. of Encinitas, Calif., who made significant contributions to the floriculture industry and believed strongly in research and education. Ecke was concerned about the future of floriculture and recognized that innovative researchers and educators are necessary for the continued success of the industry.
Applicants must be in the process of successfully completing either a B.S. or M.S. degree in horticulture or a related field, (e.g., agricultural engineering, entomology, agricultural marketing and economics, plant pathology, etc.) at a U.S. land-grant university and must have the intention of pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. degree on a full-time basis.
Although two students were awarded Ecke scholarships in 2014, generally one student will receive the award of $5,000 for two consecutive years, provided they continue to meet requirements and submit an annual update.
"This scholarship motivates me more than ever to strive for excellence in my schooling and research, in the aims of ultimately giving back more to this industry I have become passionate about," Joshua Craver, a 2014 Ecke recipient, said.
In addition to the application, the following documents must be submitted directly to AFE by the Feb. 1 deadline:
- A personal statement explaining the applicant's 1) reason for applying for the scholarship, 2) personal involvement in floriculture activities, 3) proposed research project and how it will contribute directly or indirectly toward resolving a major floriculture issue and 4) anticipated future professional goals in floriculture.
- Three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the applicant's floriculture-related advisor.
- Official transcripts sent directly from the Office of the Registrar.
- A video, up to three minutes long, telling the selection committee what makes you the best candidate for this scholarship and describing your current or proposed research project.
- A color photo (preferably high resolution) for publicity purposes.
More information about the Paul Ecke Jr. Scholarship Program and how to apply is available online.
About AFE
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The American Floral Endowment is dedicated to advancing the industry through funding floriculture research, educational grants and scholarships. More than $15 million has been funded toward research projects benefiting the entire industry, and more than $500,000 has been funded in scholarships designed to attract and retain the future leaders of the industry. To learn more about AFE visit www.endowment.org or www.fb.com/americanfloralendowment
Source: American Floral Endowment
