For young kids and teenagers, there are many organizations that provide much needed opportunities to grow and shape their leaderships skills, one of the oldest of these, is the Future Farmers of America.
"Basically F.F.A. is a youth organization with specialization in agriculture," explains F.F.A. State President, Peyton Gilbert, "that more importantly teaches high school students and junior high students the importance of premiere leadership, personal growth, and career success in every aspect of life."
The organization targets students mainly between the 8th grade to 12th grade level. However younger students in Texas have a unique opportunity get a jump start in their involvement.
"Texas is unique in the fact that you can get your F.F.A. start as a third grader," says F.F.A. State 1st Vice President Taylor Shackelford. "At the start of eight years old, you can actually begin with an animal project or a supervised agricultural experience."
As state officials, both Gilbert and Shackelford travel across Texas, visiting high schools and middle schools to talk about the significance of agriculture.
"What it's allowed us to do is develop really great relationships with colleges, with possible internships, but more importantly securing career success in the future," says Gilbert.
And for those looking to get involved, Shackelford says it doesn't take long to learn the ropes and begin building leadership experience.
"Just with the start of a conversation, you can get your start in the F.F.A. and you can begin your leadership experience and get into all of the different public speaking avenues," he says.
Connect with the F.F.A:
Future Farmers Of America
www.TexasFFA.org
National FFA
Find them on Facebook!
"Basically F.F.A. is a youth organization with specialization in agriculture," explains F.F.A. State President, Peyton Gilbert, "that more importantly teaches high school students and junior high students the importance of premiere leadership, personal growth, and career success in every aspect of life."
The organization targets students mainly between the 8th grade to 12th grade level. However younger students in Texas have a unique opportunity get a jump start in their involvement.
"Texas is unique in the fact that you can get your F.F.A. start as a third grader," says F.F.A. State 1st Vice President Taylor Shackelford. "At the start of eight years old, you can actually begin with an animal project or a supervised agricultural experience."
As state officials, both Gilbert and Shackelford travel across Texas, visiting high schools and middle schools to talk about the significance of agriculture.
"What it's allowed us to do is develop really great relationships with colleges, with possible internships, but more importantly securing career success in the future," says Gilbert.
And for those looking to get involved, Shackelford says it doesn't take long to learn the ropes and begin building leadership experience.
"Just with the start of a conversation, you can get your start in the F.F.A. and you can begin your leadership experience and get into all of the different public speaking avenues," he says.
Connect with the F.F.A:
Future Farmers Of America
www.TexasFFA.org
National FFA
Find them on Facebook!
