Whether their project is raising show animals or buying and selling seed, FFA members are responsible for managing the finances that come with a supervised agricultural experience (SAE). With this responsibility comes risk, and that’s where Fifth Third Bank comes into play.
“We are very committed to teaching students about financial empowerment,” says Jadira Hoptry, vice president of Fifth Third Bank. “It is a key factor for the future of self-sustainability.”
Fifth Third is at the 91st National FFA Convention & Expo, teaching students about their financial empowerment program that begins by teaching elementary students what money is and continues with adults into retirement.
These programs help FFA members manage their SAEs by teaching them the basics of budgeting and preparing business plans. If a chapter decides a program is especially beneficial to its members, Fifth Third can develop up to 10 weeks of courses. The bank finds it important to partner with FFA because they teach similar concepts, such as the importance of financial literacy.
“I am more impressed with FFA every day,” says Hoptry. “These students aren’t talking about the farming my grandparents knew. They are talking about the farming of the future.”
Hoptry encourages students who are working on the SAEs to figure out their assets and liabilities as soon as possible. This will help them be aware of what leads to debt.
“Find out what will help you increase revenue and what you will be paying,” says Hoptry. “These are the basic starting points.”
In addition to teaching members about their finances, Fifth Third also helps sponsor national convention. Visit them at the expo in booth #819 or online.
Cheyenne Dunn is a senior at Purdue University studying agricultural communication. As a former member of the Greensburg FFA Chapter, she is working as a reporter for the 91st National FFA Convention.
