“Having an alumni chapter is truly an invaluable resource for any FFA chapter to have,” says Victoria Kimbrough, a second-year teacher and FFA advisor at Frankfort Junior/Senior High School in Kansas.
Heading into her third teaching year, Kimbrough begins her school day at 7:45 a.m., teaching a variety of classes ranging from junior high ag class to high school agribusiness.
“Some days can get a bit long when working to complete various daily tasks, she says. “At Frankfort High School, we have a wood shop, welding shop, greenhouse, and small animal facilities that house quail, chickens, rabbits, axolotls, and tilapia.” She ends her day anywhere between 5-6 p.m.
“I would highly recommend advisors get an alumni chapter started,” Kimbrough says. “The support and community relationships that are started will open up so many new doors for members. You would be surprised how many want to reach out and help but don’t quite know how. An alumni chapter really opens up that line of communication and opportunity for them to easily do so.”
Enter parent Jessi Armstrong and recent grad Tara Fox, who applied for a Tractor Supply Creating Legacy Grant. They were awarded a grant and used the funds to host an alumni and supporters chapter launch meeting and pay for dues. Fox said the grant application was easy and took no time at all. “Receiving the grant was exactly what we needed to get our alumni group started,” Armstrong said.
The alumni and supporters chapter has assisted with Career Development Event preparations for various teams. They have also helped with preparations for the chapter banquet, including set up and the meal. It has started mentoring opportunities for members and formed community relationships that give members a chance to shadow career professionals and hear from guest speakers in the classroom. Kimbrough said she has been able to get sponsors and chaperones easily for trips. Additionally, they have found that many community members are now more informed on what FFA does and have been able to generate more support financially and otherwise.
“Creating Legacy Grants sponsored by Tractor Supply Company are important to National FFA because they help alumni and supporters chapters get started so that they can go on to assist agricultural education students and teachers at the local level,” said Allie Ellis, the associate director of National FFA Alumni and Supporters.
“For 37 years, Tractor Supply has proudly partnered with FFA to support students and their education,” said Christi Korzekwa, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Tractor Supply. “We know FFA Alumni members go the extra mile to inspire and teach students, and this grant will provide them with the resources needed to strengthen their chapters and cultivate the next generation of leaders in agriculture.”
There are currently 2,539 FFA Alumni and Supporters chapters across the country. An alumni and supporters chapter needs 10 volunteers, elected officers, bylaws, and to submit a chartering application to start. Find out more at FFA.org/JoinAlumni.
