 Collegiate FFA is now accepting application for its National Collegiate Agricultural Ambassador Program for the 2012-13 school year. Josh Bledsoe, State FFA Advisor, and State Agricultural Education Leader for North Carolina explains the program:
“The national FFA started as an opportunity to partner with some great industry folks to spread the word about agriculture and agricultural education, and grow the collegiate FFA chapters across the nation.”
During their term ambassadors will visit schools, community organizations and other groups interested in learning about the ag industry, according to Bledsoe:
“They will target certain areas in their states and their neighboring states, and they will target elementary and middle schools to try to engage young people to know where their food comes from and the importance of agriculture. They will also work with colleges, universities and community colleges and technical schools that may or may not have agricultural education programs to try to expand those areas. They will also target some universities that have agriculture to help bridge the connection with FFA and tell them the opportunities that are available.”
This year, the program is seeking 20 ambassadors across the country:
“Plenty of good folks in this state and across the nation can reach out to young people and college aged students about agriculture, and spread the good news about what agriculture is doing to feed America, to clothe America and provide shelter; just the overall importance of the industry.”
In addition to the prestige participating in the ambassador program, Bledsoe explains that there’s some incentive to the actual participants:
“They provide equipment and give scholarship funds to assist with their college expenses.”
College students ranging from sophomores to grad students may apply to be an ambassador. The application deadline is soon…June 1st. for more information or an application, visit the National FFA Organization website.
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