American Floral Endowment Opens 2026
The American Floral Endowment is now accepting applications for its 2026 paid horticulture and floriculture internships, with increased scholarship funding
The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is now accepting applications for its 2026 paid internship programs in floriculture and horticulture. The deadline for submissions is October 1, 2026, according to the organization.
These programs, the Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program and the Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Program, place students in industry facilities. Internships last three, four, or six months and provide hands-on training at production greenhouses, nurseries, floral retailers, wholesale operations, and allied companies.
Increased Funding for 2026
A key change for the 2026 cycle is an increase in financial support. Students selected for the Vic & Margaret Ball Internship can now receive up to $8,000 in scholarship money upon successfully completing their placement. This represents a boost from previous years.
Faculty members also benefit from larger reimbursements. Educators can now receive up to $1,500 for travel to visit their interning student, allowing them to see the operations firsthand. AFE has also introduced a new online application platform designed to be more user-friendly for applicants.
Program Details and Scholarship Amounts
The two internship programs serve different career paths within the industry. The Vic & Margaret Ball program focuses on commercial production, offering placements at greenhouses or nurseries. The Mosmiller program is designed for students pursuing careers in retail or wholesale floral operations and honors the late Colonel and Mrs. Walter E. Mosmiller Jr.
Scholarship amounts vary by program and internship duration. The following table compares the key details of each opportunity as outlined by the American Floral Endowment:
| Program Name | Focus Area | Internship Duration | Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program | Commercial production greenhouse or nursery | 3, 4, or 6 months | Up to $8,000 upon completion |
| Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Program | Retail or wholesale operations | 10 to 16 weeks | $2,000 |
Application Process and Past Success
Prospective interns must apply through AFE's new online platform by the October 1, 2026 deadline. The endowment reports that the updated system makes it easier to apply, upload required documents, and stay connected throughout the process.
The value of these internships is attested to by past participants. A previous intern, Jaclyn Reding, stated the experience was "remarkably beneficial for my future education and career plans." She added, "Working as an intern taught me more in a few weeks than my years of college courses on the same topics."
AFE directs interested students to its website to learn more about these internships, its more than 30 other annual scholarships, and additional opportunities for young professionals. The organization's full announcement includes links to profiles of 2026 interns and past student reports.
