Start an Agricultural Education Program

That's right! With 184 Nebraska programs, agricultural education is preparing our youth for careers in agriculture, food, and natural resourse-based industries that are the heartbeat of our state economy. As the state's largest industry, one of every three Nebraskans earn their living by agriculture. Even though over 13,000 students take agricultural classes each year, the state needs even more highly trained youth to be the next generation of entrepreneurs, employees, and leaders within the industry.

So how do I get an agricultural education program in my school?

Chances are, you're not the only one who wants to start a program in your community! In some Nebraska schools, a request to a school administrator has been enough. However, agricultural education programs are not a "cheap" program for schools to start. The National FFA Organization has put together a guide entitled "Start an Agricultural Education Program in 11 Steps" with resources to help in this process. Check it out and let State Staff know of your intentions. They are here to help!

I heard that students can take classes via distance education. What about that?

A handful of Nebraska students receive distance education courses from other high schools that have programs. While it works, ask any teacher who delivers a class this way and they will tell you that it's not ideal. Due to the nature of agricultural education instruction, it is difficult for students on the distance-end of instruction to get the full effect of laboratory experiences, FFA involvement, and SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) coordination. Nebraska has guidelines for distance education. Feel free to contact State Staff to see if distance education is the best solution for your school.

But I just want to start an FFA chapter...

That's great, however, all FFA members are required to be enrolled in at least one agricultural course each year of middle or high school that they are a member. Agricultural Education is an integrated model, combining classroom instruction, leadership education (FFA), and experiential learning (SAE, or Supervised Agricultural Experience programs). Think of the entire program as a three-legged stool. If we take one or two legs away, the stool would fall. In other words, FFA would not have the impact that your students need without the entire support structure!

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