Above and Beyond
At BioWorks, we’re preparing the world for the next generation who will follow in our footsteps. We feel strongly that the younger generation can use all the support we can offer. Which is why we’ve chosen to put our support behind the American Floral Endowment.
Founded in 1961, the AFE is the leading non-for-profit 501© (3) funding source for floricultural/environmental horticulture research and educational programs in the U.S. It’s supported by more than 1,000 companies and individuals throughout the industry, including BioWorks. Students are selected based on exemplary academic performance and a grade point average of 3.0 or better, with the ideal winning student showing a passion for the use of IPM or other sustainable practices.
The application deadline for a scholarship is May 1st of each year. After evaluation, the scholarship is awarded at the end of July/Early August.
SCHOLARSHIPS
2025 Recipient: Charles Colvin, Penn State University
Charles Colvin of Malvern, Pennsylvania, is a senior at Penn State University, where he is majoring in plant sciences with a specialization in plant genetics and biotechnology. Upon an anticipated graduation in May 2026, Colvin plans to become a research scientist developing environmentally sustainable floriculture and turfgrass cultivars through modern plant breeding and biotechnology. He aims to pursue a Ph.D. in plant genetics with a long-term goal of working in public research or academia.
“This scholarship is both a financial relief and a vote of confidence in my research and future,” said Colvin. “It empowers me to keep pushing the boundaries of plant breeding and sustainable agriculture and pursue my goal of earning a Ph.D. in plant genetics.”
2024 Recipient: Timothy Langone, State University of New York (SUNY)
Timothy Langone of North Bellmore, New York, is a senior at SUNY, Farmingdale, majoring in ornamental horticulture. As an employee for Old Westbury Gardens in New York for over two years, Langone has had the opportunity to work in cultivating historic plant material, which has heightened his interest in florals and their applications. He plans to continue his work there into the future.
“I am absolutely thrilled to have been selected as a scholarship recipient,” Langone said. “The financial assistance will further my abilities to prosper in the horticulture industry, specifically by continuing my education in florals and their related topics.”
2023 Recipient: Luis Mazariegos – College of DuPage
Luis Mazariegos is a sophomore pursuing a degree in Sustainable Urban Agriculture. He is a major in Horticulture and Greenhouse Management. “I am honored to have been selected as the recipient of this Scholarship. Thank you for your generosity, which will allow me to buy the remainder of the books for my graduating year. As I gear up to graduate, I want to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to achieve my goals.”
2022 Recipient: Elizabeth Hudgens, Clemson University
Elizabeth Hudgens is a Junior and Undergraduate Research Assistant at Clemson University, majoring in Horticulture. She is interested in greenhouse production of ornamental plants, cut flower production, and garden caretaking. Hudgens notes her experiences in these fields, stating, “I have had the opportunity to participate in research on the day-length effect on poinsettias, and this summer, I have an internship lined up at Rock Cobble Farm in cut flower production and vegetable & ornamental garden care.” She aims to have a diversified career, experiencing the many aspects of greenhouse production, and hopes to one day become a head grower. Hudgens adds, “My biggest goal after I have explored the world of horticulture and have settled down is to have my own greenhouse.” She wants to be able to ultimately give back to her local community through her love of plants.
In looking ahead to the future of our industry, Hudgens states, “I hope to practice horticulture sustainably in my small business and think that being more environmentally friendly is very important to the future. With the support of this scholarship, I have the wonderful opportunity to take a Sustainable Landscaping class in the fall and hope to further my knowledge and be able to use what I learned when creating gardens of my own in the future.”
Perry attended the University of Massachusetts, earning a bachelor’s degree in sustainable horticulture, and wants to focus on floral material, annuals and perennials within the green industry. She is interested in eventually becoming an agriculture teacher to educate on floral design and greenhouse management, as well as owning her own successful garden center.