Education
The More You Learn, The More You Grow
We’ve put together a variety of educational programs and scholarships to help advance your career and nurture the next generation of produce luminaries. Whether you’re brushing up on the fundamentals or keeping up with the latest innovations in the industry, your SEPC membership offers plenty of opportunity to enrich your knowledge.





EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Short for “Learning, Interacting and Networking with Key players in the Supply chain,” LINKS is an educational leadership program where exceptional Southeastern growers and shippers can connect with Retail/Foodservice providers in the region in a non-competitive environment. By enhancing each side’s understanding of the retail supply chain, we can facilitate our mutual goals to better service consumers and drive Southeastern produce consumption. The SEPC will provide a meeting space at both Southern Exposure and Southern Innovations to participating Retail/Foodservice members who facilitate the program with invited Growers and Shippers.
A two-day course intended for quality control personnel, produce buyers, produce inventory control personnel, and other company associates involved in the receiving, handling, buying, and shipping of fresh produce.
Note: Our course has been cancelled until further notice
“I would like to thank the SEPC for organizing the recent produce training seminar in Tampa. It was a very productive and informative experience and, even though I’ve been in the produce business for a long time, I still come away learning new ways to grade and execute quality checks.”
Keith Vigue, US Foods
Curated annually and offered throughout the year (including at our Southern Exposure and Southern Innovations conferences), SEPC University offers a variety of sessions to keep members abreast of the latest trends in the produce industry. Scholarships are also provided to further the education of current and future produce professionals.
Southern Exposure 2020: Session Videos
Southern Innovations 2020: Session Videos
- Coming Soon!
Our STARS (Southeast Top Agricultural Recruits Scholarship) program is available to outstanding students majoring in agriculture at Southeast-based land grant universities. Our goal is to recruit top students for job opportunities in the Southeast produce industry.
Testimonials
“This past weekend at Southern Exposure was one of the highlights of my college career. It was really enjoyable to meet and connect with so many industry professionals.”
~ Maxwell Cavassa, Auburn University, STARS Class of 2020
“Being able to attend Southern Exposure 2019 definitely opened my eyes to the endless career opportunities in the industry sector, and the overall STARS experience has had a positive impact in my career as a food microbiologist."
~ Erika Estrada, Virginia Tech, STARS Class of 2019
Ideal candidates are rising seniors in undergraduate majors related to the growing and marketing of produce and related products who also hold a minimum 3.2 GPA or higher. Additionally, it is preferred that students have demonstrated an interest in growing and/or marketing of produce. Scholarship recipients will be expected to attend the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure conference & expo. The Southeast Produce Council will cover hotel and travel expenses to this event. The scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to meet with hundreds of produce industry grower/shipper members as well as the nation’s leading retailers and foodservice distributors.
Majors Include:
- Agricultural and Biological Engineering
- Agricultural Education and Communication
- Agricultural Operations Management
- Botany (Plant Biologist)
- Entomology and Nematology
- Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Food and Resource Economics
- Food Science and Human Nutrition
- Horticultural Science
- Plant Science
- Soil and Water Science
Participating Universities
Please get in touch with the respective contact at any of the below universities for more information on the STARS program.
Auburn University
- Development Officer
- College of Agriculture
- Auburn University
- 100 Corner Hall
- Auburn, AL 36849
- (334) 844-3472
Clemson University
- Senior Director of Development
- College of Agriculture, Forestry & Life Sciences
- Clemson University
- 101 Barre Hall
- Clemson, SC 29634-0202
- (864) 276-7245
Louisiana State University
- Assistant Dean of Recruitment & Student Development
- College of Agriculture
- Louisiana State University
- 146 Martin D. Woodin Hall
- Baton Rouge, LA 70830
- (225) 578-2266
North Carolina State University
- Student Services Specialist
- CALS Academic Programs Office
- North Carolina State University
- Campus Box 7642
- 111 Patterson Hall
- Raleigh, NC 27695-7642
University of Florida
- Assistant Director of Development
- UF/IFAS Advancement
- University of Florida
- Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences
- 1001 McCarty Hall
- PO Box 110170
- Gainesville, FL 32611-0170
- (706) 542-1611
University of Georgia
- Administrative Manager
- UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
- Office of Academic Affairs
- 102 Conner Hall
- Athens, GA 30602
- (706) 542-1611
Virginia Tech
- Fiscal Administrator, Academic Programs
- Virginia Tech
- Office of Academic Programs
- 175 West Campus Drive
- Blacksburg, VA 24061
- (540) 231-9671
SOUTHERN EXPOSURE NETWORKING HIGHLIGHTS
STARS & STEP-UPP Dinner
Mix and mingle with some of SEPC’s top produce professionals
STARS Breakfast
Join fellow STARS students for breakfast with an informative guest speaker from the industry
STARS Cocktails & Careers
Interview with SEPC member companies seeking fresh employees
STARS CLASS OF 2020














Auburn University
Matt Hayes / Horticulture
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Max Cavassa / Horticulture
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Clemson University
Audrey Jen / Plant & Environmental Sciences – Agronomy
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John Lawson / Plant & Environmental Sciences – Agricultural Biotechnology
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Louisiana State University
Alexis Boyd / Horticulture
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Michael Younis / Agricultural Business
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NC State University
Kindsey Small / Agricultural Science
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Brenda Lozano / Horticulture Science
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University of Florida
Cody Clark / Food and Resource Economics
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Chloe Ouellette / Horticultural Science – Production
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University of Georgia
Eryn Elliott / Agricultural Education
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Morgan Hart / Agricultural Education
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Virginia Tech
Claire Marik / Food Science and Technology – Food Safety
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Garrett Brockwell / Environmental Horticulture
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STEP-UPP gives Retail and Foodservice produce professionals a greater understanding of the industry through an emphasis on strategic orientation, personal leadership, and hands-on field experience. Twelve (12) individuals are selected through an application and interview process based on leadership experience and interest in developing a career in fresh produce. Potential candidates must be active members of SEPC.
PROGRAM GOALS
Strategic Orientation
This program will broaden the participants’ strategic view of the fresh produce industry through supply chain overviews, collaborative business planning, category development, and key performance indicator discussions.
Personal Leadership & Networking
This program focuses on personal development and relationship building. The program may include leadership styles, managing for performance, and negotiation strategy. Each program segment will also include opportunities to meet and network with other SEPC industry members.
Field Experience
Here we put theory to the test by taking participants into the field and on plant tours to gain hands-on experience in how to partner with growers more effectively. A short course in produce inspection will also be included.
STEP-UPP CLASS TESTIMONIALS
“The word that pops into my head that best describes the overall experience is family. We seemed to all instantly hit it off.”
~ Lee Butram, AWG, STEP-UPP Class of 2018
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have been a member with STEP-UPP. I gained invaluable experience by touring farms, talking to suppliers and networking with industry leaders and experts. Years later, I still use what I learned to make better buying decisions for my company.”
~ Leslie Gallegos, Fresh Point Tampa, STEP-UPP Class of 2012
THE STEP-UPP CLASS OF 2021











2021 STEP-UPP Class Schedule
- Spring 2021 [schedule TBD]
- Summer 2021 [schedule TBD]
- Fall 2021
- Class graduation ceremony during Southern Innovations 2021
2019 STEP-UPP Team Building Activity
SCHOLARSHIPS

SEPC Member Scholarship
Recipients of the SEPC Member Scholarship will each receive a scholarship of $2,000 towards their educational goals for the upcoming school year. The SEPC awarded 62 scholarships ($124,000) in 2019, and we are proud to award 74 scholarships ($148,000) this year thanks to the dedication of our members.
SEPC Member Scholarship FAQs
Applicant must be/have a parent or grandparent who is a corporate member in good standing as of May 1st of the current year [Member has been on the SEPC membership roster for at least 12 months and has personally attended at least one event (Southern Exposure and/or Southern Innovations) within the last 12 months]. Immediate family members may apply if the active member is part of a corporate membership. Members who have individual memberships are not eligible.
Each applicant must be enrolled as a full-time student (minimum 12 semester hours).
- College or high school transcript
- SEPC Member Name and Member #
- College/University Student ID #, current major and GPA (minimum 3.0 GPA required)
- College/University Address where the scholarship check will be sent
- SAT and/or ACT scores
- Enrollment verification from College/University
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Community Involvement
- 500-word minimum and 1000-word maximum essay
- 2021 Essay Topic:
2020 has been a very trying year for all of us. Yet through the COVID-19 pandemic, we have gained valuable insight into SEPC’s theme for 2021 – Produce: Powered by People. We have seen how People in Produce have brought some positive lights to these dark times. We know that everyone can make a difference in their job, community, church, school, or home. One person can bring a little light into the dark world we have lived in for this last year. Most of us have had a lot of time on our hands this year to think about things that we can do when the world gets back to some form of normal.
Explain how you could do something to make a positive difference in this new world we are living in. It could be something you have done in the past and plan on continuing now.
- 2021 Essay Topic:
The SEPC scholarship application can only be submitted online through our link which will be provided beginning March 15, 2021. The application deadline is April 30, 2021 at 5pm EST.
Members of the SEPC Scholarship Committee
*All judges will be impartial when judging each redacted essay. All participant names and company references will be redacted before judging. If any judge has a personal relationship with any participant, that judge will be asked to recuse himself or herself from judging and will be replaced.
First preference is given to new applicants; however, you may apply for additional scholarship awards. You will need to provide transcripts from the university you are attending along with proof of enrollment. All repeat scholarship recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA to be eligible each year.
Recipients are announced on May 21, 2021.
Congratulations to our 2020 SEPC Member Scholarship recipients!
Adam Millburn
Adrian Sanabria-Padilla
Adrianna Biederman
Alexandra Biederman
Alexia Alsum
Ansley Paulk
Ashleigh Coffman
Aubrey Reel
Austin Schreiber
Blaine Millburn
Brady Slate
Brady Wilkins
Brittany St George
Bryan Biederman
Cailynn Croft
Carlos Visconti
Chapman Shuman
Charles White
Christopher Congdon
Claire Paivarinta-Skands
Connor Strady
Corey Earwood
Craig Mitchell
Daniella Gonzalez
Dylan Daniels
Elizabeth Fleming
Emma Scott
Emma Thomerson
Emma Youngman
Erik Daniels
Grayson Johnston
Haidyn Owens
Hudson Sherrod
Hunter Boyette
Ian Campbell
Jackson Edmondson
Jacob McGuire
Jacob Neill
Jake Klausner
James Cunningham
John Mocettini
John Luke Shuman
John W Corea
Joshua Eubanks
Julia Nelsen
Julia Rooke
Kade Adams
Kathryn Hearn
Kennedy Belknap
Kyla Putz
Madison Wing
Madison Wynne
Maggie Crain
Marco Dilaudo
Mariana Sanabria-Padilla
Mari-Ana Smith
Maxwell Fueherer
Maxwell Mudger
Meaghan Bowman
Michael Fuehrer
Olin Paivarinta-Skands
Olivia Sbrocco
Philip Temples
Robert Temples
Sarah Wooten
Savannah Millburn
Sebastian Garcia
Sydney Hahn
Thiago Campbell
Tyler Boyette
Tyler Koran
Veronica Baker
Victoria Garrett
William Matejowsky

Vorhees Vision Scholarship
The Vorhees Vision Scholarship was created to reward the achievements of young individuals who demonstrate a true entrepreneurial spirit in their lives as they pursue their educational goals. This scholarship is named in honor of the late Terry L. Vorhees, founder and first Executive Director of the Southeast Produce Council. Because of his vision and efforts, the Southeast Produce Council became and remains one of the best resources in the produce industry today.
Details
One college-aged student (graduating high school senior or current college student) will receive a one-time scholarship of $7,500 to their enrolling college/university.
Congratulations to our 2021 Vorhees Vision Scholarship recipient!
Emily Lessard
Daughter of Dave and Alisa Lessard | The GIANT Company
Vorhees Vision Scholarship FAQs
Each applicant must be/have a parent or grandparent who is a corporate member in good standing as of January 15th of the current year [Member has been on the SEPC membership roster for at least 12 months and has personally attended at least one event (Southern Exposure and/or Southern Innovations) within the last 12 months]. Immediate family members may apply if the active member is part of a corporate membership. Members who have individual memberships are not eligible.
Each applicant must be enrolled as a full-time student (minimum 12 semester hours).
- Grade Point Average- Minimum 3.0
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from high school and/or college staff, clergy, community leaders, etc.
- SAT or ACT scores
- Leadership and community service involvement
- 1000-word minimum essay
- Essay Topic:
2020 has been a very trying year for all of us. Yet through the COVID-19 pandemic, we have gained valuable insight into SEPC’s theme for 2021 – Produce: Powered by People. The produce industry has been deemed essential during this pandemic, and whether companies are serving from the fields or delivering to our tables we have all felt the tremendous impact.
Explain how you have witnessed essential workers within our industry, or from your own personal experience, who have risen above the challenges to make a difference in the communities we serve.
- Essay Topic:
The application can only be submitted online through our link which will be provided beginning November 30, 2020. The application deadline is January 15, 2021 at 5pm EST.
Members of the SEPC Scholarship Committee
*All judges will be impartial when judging each redacted essay. All participant names and company references will be redacted before judging. If any judge has a personal relationship with any participant, that judge will be asked to recuse himself or herself from judging and will be replaced.
The scholarship will be awarded February 15, 2021. One (1) $7,500.00 scholarship will be awarded to the scholarship recipient’s enrolling College/University.

Nolan Family Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship was established to memorialize Jim Nolan, who took an ethical stand on a business matter at great cost to himself. As a result of his professional ethics, Nolan was ostracized by colleagues and remained isolated in his efforts to maintain moral integrity in his workplace. It would have taken only a few others with the courage to speak out to change the course of events. Tragically, Jim died before the trial that finally vindicated his actions by a judge and a jury of 13 who found in his favor. Our sincere thanks to Theresa Nolan for providing this scholarship to the members of the Southeast Produce Council. She is a lifetime member of the SEPC and is always available to lend a helping hand wherever needed.
Details
One college-aged student (graduating high school senior or current college student) will receive a one-time scholarship of $5,000 to their enrolling college/university. The scholarship will be awarded based on GPA (3.0 or higher), references and quality of essay.
Congratulations to our 2020 James and Theresa Nolan Family Foundation Scholarship recipient!
Michael Fuehrer
Son of Milton Fuehrer | Michigan Fresh Marketing
Nolan Family Foundation Scholarship FAQs
Each applicant must be/have a parent or grandparent who is a corporate member in good standing as of July 1st of the current year [Member has been on the SEPC membership roster for at least 12 months and has personally attended at least one event (Southern Exposure and/or Southern Innovations) within the last 12 months]. Immediate family members may apply if the active member is part of a corporate membership. Members who have individual memberships are not eligible.
Each applicant must be enrolled as a full-time student (minimum 12 semester hours).
- Official college or high school transcript
- SEPC Member Name and Member #
- College/University Student ID #, current major and GPA
- College/University Address where the scholarship check will be sent
- SAT and/or ACT scores
- Enrollment verification from College/University
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Community Involvement
- 500 - 1000 word essay
- Essay Topic To Be Determined Soon
The application can only be submitted online through our link which will be provided beginning May 17, 2021. The application deadline is July 2, 2021 at 5pm EST.
Members of the SEPC Scholarship Committee
*All judges will be impartial when judging each redacted essay. All participant names and company references will be redacted before judging. If any judge has a personal relationship with any participant, that judge will be asked to recuse himself or herself from judging and will be replaced.
The recipient will be announced August 2, 2021.