Paul Ecke, Jr.

Application Deadline - February 1st

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 the late 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. 

Each year, one student will receive $5,000 for two consecutive years (providing that they continue to meet requirements for this duration and submit an annual update).

The first Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship was awarded in 2010 to Daedre Craig of Michigan State University.

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

Eligibility Requirements

All U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and qualified international students are eligible to apply. The applicant must 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:

• An Annual Stipend of $5,000 per academic year for two years

Application Requirements and Information

Applicant Must Submit Application, Cover Letter, 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

In addition to the application, the following documents must be submitted directly to the American Floral Endowment by the February 1 deadline:

(1) A Personal Statement - prepare a typewritten 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.

(2) Letters of Recommendation - three letters of recommendation -one of which must be from the applicants floriculture related advisor.

(3) Transcripts - 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, and describe your current or proposed research project.  Videos can be submitted on a CD-ROM, along with your application and letters of recommendation.

(5) Photo - please submit a color photo which can be used for publicity purposes.