Now Accepting Applications - Deadline to Submit Your Application is April 30, 2026
Scholarship & Mentorships
Florida State Florist Association Embraces Education
Each year, FSFA Awards to its' Members Scholarships and Mentorships during the Annual Convention. 2026-2027 Scholarships and Mentorships will be awarded on:
Friday, June 5, 2026, during the Opening Reception.
FSFA International is pleased to announce the following Scholarships:
The FSFAI Jeanne Parsons Scholarship.
A scholarship in the amount of up to $1000.
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Jeanne Parsons 3/9/1927-10/29/88
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The William "Bill" Bobulinski Scholarship.
A scholarship in the amount of up to $1000
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William "Bill" Bobulinski 12/24/1965-11/15/2020
Treasurer 2018-2020, Place in the Sun - State 2019
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The FDI - Floral Design Institute Scholarship.
A scholarship in the amount of up to $1000
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Portland, Oregon
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Ornatus Floral Design School Scholarship.
A scholarship in the amount of up to $1000
10404 West State Road 84, Unit 107, Davie, FL 33324, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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Additionally, FSFA will also be awarding Three Mentorships
This year, Ian Prosser AIFD CFD PFCI, Deborah De La Flor AIFD CFD PFCI and Social Media Influencer Alexander Campbell have generously donated their time to mentor someone who is new to the industry or wishes to expand their knowledge. The scholarship / mentorship program is one of the greatest benefits of membership in FSFAI. Submit your application by clicking the registration button below.
Gale West FSMD - Scholarship Chair
Ashley Brant CFD FSMD - Scholarship Chair Assistant
Past President Christie Brown FSMD - Scholarship Chair Assistant
Delia Chen AIFD CFD - Scholarship Chair Assistant
Courney Clark - Scholarship Chair Assistant
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Your 2026 FSFA International Mentors |
Ian Prosser AIFD CFD PFCI | Ian began his over 40-year successful floral career with three little shops in Glasgow, Scotland. His long list of accolades and achievements include becoming the youngest person to receive the honor of "Floral Designer of the Year" for all of Scotland and earning the “National Diploma of the Society of Floristry”, the highest European honor in floral design. As a worldwide leader in the floral industry, Ian is a committed mentor to young designers. He still takes on each event personally with the utmost creativity and care, making him one of the most sought-after floral designers in the world. In 1989, Ian opened Botanica International to serve the greater Tampa Bay area and now, the expanded Botanica Design Studio designs events across the world. His luxury wedding and events team redefine beauty by bringing clients indescribable visions to life. The recipient will be able to spend up to three days working one on one with Ian Prosser learning his key to success in the wedding and event business~!!! |
 Deborah De La Flor AIFD CFD PFCI | Deborah De La Flor is a distinguished floral artist and educator, widely recognized for her significant contributions to the floral industry. With more than 30 years of professional experience, she has established herself as a leading presenter at floral events, shaping industry trends and imparting her expertise to others. Her interest in floristry was cultivated during her childhood, and she has since devoted her career to the art of floral design. In addition to her design work, Deborah serves as a judge and is the founder of the Gateway to the Americas International Floral Competition, a prestigious event within the Americas. She advises young designers entering the field to begin with manageable goals and pursue steady growth, highlighting the value of strong work ethics, effective organization, and employing qualified personnel. |
 Social Media Influencer Alexander Campbell | Alexander Campbell is a content creator, professional florist, and social media influencer based in Miami, Florida. After several years teaching English, he transitioned into floristry, completing his studies at the prestigious London Flower School. Alex stands out as the first florist worldwide to surpass 1 million TikTok followers—a milestone he has maintained for over two years—and was also the world’s original full-time florist influencer. His debut book, "Flower Academy," published in the US on July 16th, quickly became a bestseller and reached number one for new releases that week. Over his career, Alex has been featured by prominent media outlets such as the BBC, NPR, El País, Neo2, and Thursd, among others. Key to Alex’s success is his consistent creation of high-quality content, active engagement with his audience, strong personal branding, and robust networking within the social media sphere. He is known for his authenticity, openness, and ability to form genuine connections with followers—all crucial qualities for establishing credibility and influence online. His studio serves as a reflection of his enthusiasm, talent, and commitment to floristry. |
Here's what a few Scholarship recipients have to say about winning... |
| "My life was dazzled winning the Jeanne Parsons Scholarship, This scholarship afforded me the opportunity to attend the 2016 AIFD Southern Convention, make more industry friends, continue my education and ultimately contributing to my dream. Scholarships are available for our advantage, but we must apply. Scholarships made a difference in my career path providing the necessary monetary help which allowed me the opportunity to create a better future' - Andreia Muller AIFD PFCI CFD FSMD. |
| "The FSFA mentor experience was a great way for me to gain some insight and hands on experience in the floral industry. Bob Tucker AIFD was a remarkable mentor who challenged me to grasp design concepts and understand how I can be successful in the business world. I am thankful for this experience and gained a lot of knowledge on how to pursue my future aspirations" - Ashley Brant CFD |
| "The scholarship and mentorship which I have been very fortunate to receive through the FSFA, has really launched my success in the floral industry. Between meeting very supportive and talented florists and receiving money for education, I have achieved what some florists spend an entire career building for themselves. I have developed lifetime friendships with my mentors and it is a huge comfort to know that I can always count on them for support in all aspects of the floral industry. Thanks to FSFA I am growing a successful floral business" - Kristina Metcalf AIFD CFD |
Scholarship-Mentorship Guidelines |
Florida State Florist Association International is dedicated to the education and enrichment of our members within the association through the FSFAI Jeanne Parsons Scholarship, The William "Bill" Bobulinski Memorial Scholarship and the Mentorships that are awarded on a yearly basis. The scholarship and mentorships are available to any FSFAI member who meets the requirements listed herein. The scholarships and mentorships are awarded yearly at the Annual Convention and must be completed before Annual Convention of the following year.
The following have generously worked with FSFAI to provide quality education to scholarship recipients:
Floral Design Institute - Portland, Oregon
Ornatus Floral Academy- Davie, Florida
AIFD Symposium/AIFD On-Line Courses
SAF Convention - Amelia Island, FL
The FSFAI Jeanne Parsons Scholarship is not to exceed $1000
(Open to all of the approved schools and programs listed above)
The William “Bill” Bobulinski Memorial Scholarship is not to exceed $1000
2026 Mentors
Ian Prosser - Botanica Design Studio, Tampa, Florida
Deborah De La Flor - De La Flor Florist and Gardens, Cooper City, Florida
Alexander Campbell - AC Floral Studio, Miami, Florida
Reimbursement for all Mentorships is not to exceed $500.00
The Mentorships offered allow the recipient to experience a one-on-one educational opportunity with one of Florida’s Finest. When applying for a Mentorship please read their bios to help you choose which Mentor would be best for you to reach your goals. Whether the recipient spends time working with their Mentor at their location or the Mentor spends time with the recipient at their location; the time spent together is to be decided mutually between Mentor and recipient. (Please note that some Mentors may not be able to travel)
Application Requirements:
1. Applicants must be 18 years of age and a member in good standing of Florida State Florists Association International to apply for a scholarship or mentorship. When applying please be specific that you are applying for a scholarship or a mentorship, in the case of a mentorship please be specific when choosing the Mentor. You May Register for One Scholarship and/or One Mentorship Only
2. Must have full registration to the Annual Convention and participate in the zoom interview process prior to convention. Applicant may not have received a Scholarship in the previous year; however, recipients of a prior mentorship are eligible to apply for a Scholarship.
3. Applicants must submit their application no later than April 30,2026 including two letters of recommendation to the Scholarship Committee via the application form by using the "Apply Now " button below. (Please note: Letters of recommendations cannot come from any sitting Board Member of FSFA International or Scholarship Committee Member)
4. Scholarships-Upon acceptance of a Scholarship, recipient must notify the Scholarship Committee within 60 days of the intent of the Scholarship. If intent of use of the scholarship is not stated within the 60 days, the Scholarship is forfeited. All registrations for such will be made by FSFAI. Unused portions of funds may be applied to additional expenses only with the approval of the Scholarship Committee. Scholarship may not exceed the monetary value of the award. DO NOT register for any class or program on your own. All registrations must be processed by the FSFA Internatinal Executive Director.
5. Mentorships-Upon Acceptance of a Mentorship, recipient must notify the Scholarship Committee within 60 days of the date the mentorship was awarded. If the date of the mentorship is not established within the 60 days an extension must be approved by the Scholarship Chair. The recipient will be reimbursed $500 by FSFA Int upon completion of the Mentorship. Completion must be confirmed by the Mentor to the Executive Director and Scholarship Chair via email. Reimbursement will be made within 30 days by FSFAI. I n the case of the mentor traveling to the recipient, the mentor will receive the reimbursement for their travel.
6. Scholarships and Mentorships must be completed before the 2027 Annual Convention
7. Recipients will be asked to volunteer at Mid-Season Summit 2027 and the Annual Convention 2027 or other FSFAI sponsored event and help raise funds for future recipients
8. All decisions of the Scholarship Committee are Final
