Professional Development BIPOC Scholarship: 2026-2027 Mentor Program

The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, Inc. is dedicated to advancing the domestic cut flower industry. Many growers struggle to find their way—financially and otherwise—as they begin their growing careers. One of the best ways to do this is to support and encourage early-career farmers by giving them a seat at the table through our professional development and educational programs. With that goal in mind, the ASCFG will award two scholarships per cohort for the 2026-2027 ASCFG Mentor Program. The scholarship will cover the full program cost; no travel is necessary because the program is online.

Eligibility Requirements

The Professional Development BIPOC Scholarship for the 2026-2027 ASCFG Mentor Program is open to anyone who meets the following criteria:

Be a current member of the ASCFG for at least one year.
Have farmed for at least two seasons (including the 2023 season).
Clearly demonstrate how the 2026 ASCFG Conference will support professional goals.

How to Apply

Complete the form shared below. A complete application must include the following information:

Applicant’s name, farm name, and contact information.
Confirm that you are a current ASCFG member (and have been for at least a year) and that you have farmed for at least two seasons.
Respond to the required questions.

Scholarship Deadline

We accept applications through Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Award Notification
We will notify successful applicants by October 9, 2026.

A Final Note

Members who meet the above requirements but have already registered for the 2026-2027 Mentor Program may apply and will be reimbursed if selected. Please note that recipients of the 2024 or 2025 professional development or BIPOC scholarships are not eligible for this opportunity. Furthermore, participants in last year’s Mentor Program are not eligible for this year’s program nor for the scholarship.

The scholarship application will open on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Noon Eastern / 9:00 a.m. Pacific.

Thank you for your patience!

ASCFG 2026-2027 Mentor Scholarship Application (BIPOC)

Name(Required)

First Last

Company(Required)

Address(Required)

Street Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

Preferred Cohort(Required)

You may only choose one.

Eligibility Requirements

I attest that I have been a member of the ASCFG for at least one year and that I have farmed for at least two seasons. Furthermore, I did not participate in last year's Mentor Program.(Required)

Please refer to the guidelines regarding membership. If you are not yet a member, indicate "No" and we will send membership information. Contact us at (440) 774-2887 or [email protected] for assistance.

Yes

Racial / Ethnic Identity(Required)

The ASCFG collects demographic information to ensure scholarship funds reach a diverse cross-section of our membership. This information is used only for program evaluation and is kept confidential.

Application Questions

Please include a short summary or personal statement describing your professional flower farming journey thus far.(Required)

No more than 250 words, please.

How will participating in the ASCFG Mentor Program directly help you advance your flower farming career and goals?(Required)

No more than 250 words, please.

Where do you see yourself within the cut flower industry in five years?(Required)

No more than 250 words, please. Consider including a brief roadmap or description of your career goals and how you plan to grow your farming practice and/or business.

Please briefly describe your financial need and why a scholarship would make participation possible.(Required)

No more than 150 words, please.