Indiana FFA, in partnership with National FFA, the premier youth leadership development organization of more than one million members, announces the launch of its new initiative, Grow With Us. This campaign is designed to highlight the invaluable benefits of agricultural education and inspire students across Indiana to experience the educational, professional, and personal growth opportunities provided through FFA.
From discovering a supportive, welcoming place to belong and thrive to developing important life skills like public speaking and relationship building, Grow With Us is designed to serve as a resource hub for students, parents and caregivers, teachers, and administrators seeking information about agricultural education and FFA.
“At a time when students are craving more connectedness and a sense of belonging than ever before, and when workforce development is a top priority for all sectors, we are proud to offer this initiative to inform and inspire students to think big, find meaningful connections and discover their passion,” said Ambra Tennery, Associate Director of Educational Programs for National FFA. “We invite all students in Indiana to explore the diverse opportunities in agricultural education and FFA, knowing that their unique voices and talents are essential to shaping a more sustainable and inclusive world.”
Grow With Us highlights the unique and comprehensive Three Component Model of agricultural education that brings together:
• Classroom instruction
• Work-based learning through agricultural education
• Leadership development through FFA
Students who participate in FFA experience a robust, well-rounded education that gives them hands-on experience beyond the classroom while also placing an emphasis on classroom participation and academic excellence. FFA chapters can be found in 90 of Indiana’s 92 counties in rural, suburban and urban locations.
“A preconceived notion might suggest agricultural education is only for students from rural communities interested in pursuing careers in production agriculture, but nothing could be further from the truth,” Tennery said. “Students from all backgrounds can gain a wide variety of skills and experiences to prepare them for success after high school regardless of where their path takes them.”
Agricultural education includes coursework in eight pathways that can lead to more than 350 careers in STEM, business, education, communications, policy and more.
For more information about Grow With Us, visit indiana.growwithus.ag.
