The Southeast Warren FFA program continues to grow while providing students with a wide range of hands-on learning opportunities, according to FFA advisor and agriculture instructor Alex Rodgers.
Rodgers says the district’s agriculture program serves students from seventh through 12th grade, with additional outreach to younger students. Rodgers also says the program focuses on preparing them for future careers through a mix of classroom instruction, FFA involvement, and supervised agricultural experiences. Those experiences allow students to apply what they learn in class through real-world projects, including livestock care, plant production, and mechanical work. Students in the program have access to a variety of facilities and resources, including a livestock barn, greenhouse, and welding shop. Projects range from raising animals for the county fair to managing greenhouse plants for sale, as well as participating in mechanical and restoration work.
Participation in the program has grown significantly over the past decade, and Rodgers says approximately 80 percent of students in grades seven through 12 are now involved in agricultural education in some capacity. He tells KNIA News the program is designed to offer opportunities for all students while helping them build important life skills and find out what their interests are.
“Just give it a shot. You might find something you like, and the worst thing that’s going to happen, you’re gonna find something you don’t like, and then you learn, okay, I don’t necessarily want to do this for my life, so I’m going to go this direction.”
In addition to classroom learning, students participate in leadership and career development events through FFA, as well as community service projects. Rodgers says the program continues to expand while giving students valuable experience that can translate into a wide range of career paths.
The full interview with Southeast Warren FFA advisor and agriculture instructor Alex Rodgers can be heard in next week’s Salute to Agriculture special edition news magazine on KNIA and KRLS.
