Previously published on September 2, 2021
Sioux City, IA – The Sioux City Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter has been awarded $4,500 in project funding as part of the Grants for Growing program. The nationwide program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company, provides grant funds to local FFA chapters to support the development or improvement of agricultural education projects that enhance the classroom experiences for students through chapter engagement activities.
A collaborative effort has been established to provide Sioux City high school agricultural education students from the Sioux City Career Academy the opportunity to engage in in-depth experiential learning within the agriculture, food, and natural resources pathway. Building upon secondary students’ student-led, instructor supervised, work-based learning experience found in school-based agricultural education programs, participating high school agricultural education students will develop skills related to their career goals and postsecondary aspirations while acquiring employability, leadership, and financial literacy skills with guidance from undergraduate student mentors from the Morningside University Applied Agricultural and Food Studies (AAFS) program. Collaborative program oversight will be provided by the Sioux City Career Academy agricultural education instructor and Morningside University AAFS faculty and students.
The Grants for Growing program provided approximately $548,000 to FFA chapters in 47 states. Funding is provided through consumer donations made during checkout at a Tractor Supply Company store by purchasing a $1 FFA paper emblem. The fundraising period aligns with National FFA Week in February.
The national FFA organization provides leadership, personal growth, and career success training through agricultural education to more than 700,000 student members who belong to one of the more than 8,600 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The organization is also supported by more than 8 million alumni and supporters throughout the U.S.