NEW Paul Ecke Jr. MS/PhD Scholarship Program

This, merit-based, prestigious Scholarship has been funded by contributions to The American Floral Endowment (AFE) from the floral industry and other sources.

The Scholarship honors Mr. Paul Ecke, Jr. of Encinitas, CA who made indispensable contributions to the advancement of the global floriculture industry. Among his many interests was concern for the future of floriculture, as influenced by innovative research and educational programs. He recognized that creative scientists and educators are required to lead the floral industry in the 21st century and beyond. Thus, the primary objective of the Paul Ecke Jr. Scholarship is to assist in funding the education of graduate students (MS or PhD) who will become leading floricultural scientists and educators.

Application Deadline - February 1st

Click here to download Paul Ecke Jr. MS/PhD Scholarship Application (PDF).

Eligibility Requirements

All U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and qualified international students are eligible to apply. The applicant must either have completed or be in the process of successfully completing either a BS or a MS 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, e.g., Cornell, Michigan State University, NC State University, Ohio State University, Texas A & M University, UC-Davis, University of Florida, etc. He/She must have the intention of pursuing a MS or PhD degree on a full-time basis in a selected floricultural area and under the direction of a world-renowned floriculture scientist.

Selection Process

The AFE Education Committee will review all applicants and when necessary, will conduct, personal interviews with applicants prior to finalizing the selection of a Scholarship recipient.

Stipend and Scholarship Tenure

Providing the graduate student meets and/or makes satisfactory academic progress, the applicant will receive:

(1) An Annual Stipend of $ 8,000 per academic year for two years in an MS program.
(2) An Annual Stipend of $ 8,000 per academic year for three years in a PhD program.

Application Requirements and Information

Applicant Must Submit Application, Cover Letter, CV, and All Other Required Information to:

American Floral Endowment
1601 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Telephone: (703) 838-5211
Fax: (703) 838-5212
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.endowment.org

The applicant must submit the following documents directly to the American Floral Endowment:

(1) A Personal Statement - not to exceed two single-spaced typed pages providing: (1) reason for applying for Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship, (2) personal involvement in floriculture activities, (3) a brief description of your proposed research project and how it will contribute directly or indirectly toward resolving a major floriculture issue, and (4) your anticipated future professional goals in floriculture.

Other Documents that must be sent directly to AFE by selected individuals are:

(1) A letter from the prospective floricultural major professor.

(2) Three letters of recommendation -one of which must be from the applican'ts floriculture related advisor.

(3)  Official transcripts sent directly from your Office of the Registrar.

(4) Video - please supply a short video (up to three minutes) of yourself.  In this video, tell the selection committee why you are the best candidate for this scholarship.  Videos can be submitted on a CD-ROM, along with your application and letters of recommendation.