Attending a national conference or leadership development event is a pinnacle experience for many FFA members. Sophie Geppert (above center), a North Callaway FFA member from Missouri, is no exception.
Through participating in the Next Gen Conference: Agricultural Communications, held in Fort Worth, Texas, this spring, Geppert toured agribusinesses, met with industry leaders and planned a road map for her future following high school graduation.
During this year’s Next Gen Conference: Agricultural Communications, Sophie Geppert (left) met with former National FFA Convention keynote speaker Courtenay DeHoff.
“The most impactful part of attending this conference was the lessons I learned about life and my future career,” Geppert says. “[It] showed me I don’t have to have my future career figured out right now, and I should explore to find what I’m most passionate about.”
One Application, Countless Opportunities
Geppert’s experience was made possible through a National FFA Student Engagement and Travel Assistance Grant. Beginning this year, FFA members will have the opportunity to apply for grant funding through this program to help offset financial expenses such as registration and travel when attending national events.
According to Logan Everett, National FFA program specialist, this program’s establishment marks the beginning of a centralized location for FFA members and chapters interested in applying for financial assistance. Based on their need and travel distance, selected recipients can receive varying award amounts.
An array of events are eligible for Student Engagement and Travel Assistance Grant, including:
- Next Gen Conferences
- New Century Farmer Conference
- Washington Leadership Conference
- State Officer Summit
- International Leadership Seminar for State Officers
- The National FFA Convention & Expo
To apply, a simple online application must be completed by an FFA member or advisor. After answering five questions about a member’s interest in the event’s topic and why they’re a deserving recipient, the advisor completes a recommendation with additional information about the member’s financial need and desire to attend. If selected, funds will be distributed to the FFA member’s chapter.
“I’m really excited for the impact this program might have on members who never thought they could attend an event because of its cost,” Everett says. “I’m hopeful we’ll see an impact that will ultimately grow our program and local FFA programs.”
For students like Geppert, attending the Next Gen Conference provided learning opportunities through touring places such as RFD-TV studios, the Fort Worth Stockyards and the State Fair of Texas fairgrounds. In addition to sharing these experiences with members of her home chapter, Geppert says she gained memories to last a lifetime.
During her time visiting Texas for a National FFA conference, Geppert toured the Fort Worth Stockyards.
“I made many new friendships I’ll cherish forever,” she says. “Taking pictures with my friends, singing on the bus and creating inside jokes are a few of the memories I’ll never forget.”
Pave Your Path
Attending a National FFA conference is a great way to develop your potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. Click here (hyperlink needed) to apply for a Student Engagement and Travel Assistance Grant.
