What is the OFA Scholars Program?
The purpose of the OFA Scholars Program is to expose students to various facets of the floriculture industry they would NOT typically experience as part of their regular academic coursework. The focus of the OFA Scholars Program is on professional development including attending education sessions, networking, and working with an industry mentor.
College student translation: You will meet many, many people that:
- can help you find a really sweet job or internship
- will tell funny stories about stupid things they did early in their career
- provide lots of advice that you can actually use
Who is eligible for the OFA Scholars Program?
The OFA Scholars Program is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are attending 2- and 4-year colleges and universities.
College student translation: You gotta be an enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student when you apply for the program. If you graduate just before the OFA Scholars program starts in July that's ok.
What exactly is an OFA Scholar and what do they do?
OFA Scholars will spend five days on-site at the
OFA Short Course in Columbus, Ohio. OFA Scholars will meet as a group and individually with industry professionals, attend educational sessions, and network at various social events.
Click here for a sample schedule.
OFA Scholars will receive complimentary meals, lodging, full OFA Short Course Registration, and a complimentary one year OFA associate membership. OFA Scholars are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from Columbus, Ohio.
College student translation: It's not nearly as boring as it sounds. OFA Scholars have a great time meeting people who work in different aspects of the industry (growers, breeders, brokers, sales reps, marketers, business owners, consultants, professors, students, and young professionals).
It's a unique experience designed to help you make contacts so you can
find jobs and internships and help you experience some of the more exciting aspects of the industry. If you're a horticulture major and
not sure if you want to be a grower or think being a grower is your only career option - think again! The OFA Scholars Program will show you that there are
many, many career possibilities.
Check out what the alumni has to say about their experiences.
You're responsible for your own transportation to and from Columbus, Ohio. Once you get to Columbus we've got everything covered - hotel, food, parking.
When and where does the OFA Scholar Program take place?