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What is LifeKnowledge?
LifeKnowledge is a comprehensive framework developed by the National FFA Organization that ensures every single student enrolled in agricultural education realizes the FFA mission of premier leadership, personal growth and career success. Through LifeKnowledge, all students enrolled in agricultural education have the opportunity to develop as leaders.The LifeKnowledge program approaches this mission in three ways:
1. LifeKnowledge provides the first comprehensive definition of leadership.
2. LifeKnowledge is delivered through a variety of instructional materials designed to engage all types of learners.
3. LifeKnowledge provides teachers with practical and effective tools and materials to help their students better prepare for the future.What makes LifeKnowledge so unique?
The LifeKnowledge program integrates proven brain-based teaching techniques to engage all students. The materials developed for LifeKnowledge are different because they use hands-on and interactive learning techniques to uncover students’ individual interests as they learn about agriculture and develop skills that impact their career success. The LifeKnowledge lessons are designed to be turn-key. In other words, agricultural educators can seamlessly integrate LifeKnowledge into technical lesson plans, such as plant and animal sciences.Why was LifeKnowledge developed?
In 1999, the National FFA Organization began a major initiative to reexamine how we prepare young people for success in life. Agribusiness leaders and supporters of FFA challenged the Organization to prove participation in agricultural education programs and FFA really does develop premier leadership, personal growth, and career success for students. The research found students weren’t fully aware of the choices they made and how those choices would impact their futures. The educational system was not preparing them to be engaged in everyday life for the betterment of their lives and their communities. As a result, "LifeKnowledge, Real Lessons for Real Life" was born.What comprises LifeKnowledge?
LifeKnowledge features three key components. At the foundation is the first comprehensive definition of leadership. More than 1,000 teachers, teacher educators, industry representatives and others defined 16 competencies that are the necessary signs of success and “essential learnings” of leadership. LifeKnowledge includes 257 lesson plans structured to help FFA advisors and agriculture education teachers prepare high school and middle school agriculture students to become proficient in these 16 competencies.LifeKnowledge also includes 100 lesson plans for collegiate organizations centered around agriculture to use in their member development. Finally, LifeKnowledge includes professional development opportunities for teachers such as distance-learning and instructor-led programs that train teachers to use the LifeKnowledge lesson plans and instructional materials. As a result, teachers can better prepare our young people to become more engaged in everyday life for the betterment of their lives and their communities.
What are some of the 16 competencies?
There are three cornerstones for LifeKnowledge. The first is Leadership. The competencies associated with leadership are action, vision, relationships, awareness and continuous improvement. Successful students will learn the importance of how to develop and conceptualize ideas, identify and use resources and acquire new knowledge.
The second cornerstone is Personal Growth. Competencies here encompass every aspect from physical growth to mental, emotional and spiritual growth. Students become aware of the value of living a compassionate and selfless life, how to think critically and creatively and to live ethically. Finally, the Career Success competencies revolve around good communications skills, decision making, flexibility and adaptability. They are demonstrated by the ability to solve problems, make ethical decisions, and experiment and take risks.How many students and schools does the LifeKnowledge program reach?
LifeKnowledge reaches more than 700,000 students annually, and nearly 50 percent of all U.S. public high schools with agriculture education programs are involved. That means nearly 7,200 agriculture education programs are being reached with LifeKnowledge.How will the agriculture industry benefit from this program in the future?
LifeKnowledge will benefit the agriculture industry as it teaches youth about leadership, career success, and personal growth. In doing so, this program helps students identify their passions and prepares them with the skills to lead more fulfilling lives. As a result, LifeKnowledge is helping to mold a new level of citizens who are better customers, neighbors, and employees. This is a self-improving program that will prepare young people for success in life for decades to come.How is LifeKnowledge funded?
Funding for the development and implementation of LifeKnowledge includes nearly $3 million dollars in FFA resources, as well as another $7 million dollars of sponsor and volunteer resources. Nearly $5 million dollars of resources have been invested in creating the LifeKnowledge competencies, lessons, training and support materials. More than 1,000 volunteers have invested 30 person-years in creating, testing, refining and teaching these lessons.Is more support needed for LifeKnowledge?
More support is needed for LifeKnowledge, and FFA is seeking individuals and corporate partners with interest in supporting education, youth development and leadership programs. Phase II of LifeKnowledge is a $15 million program, with participating schools accounting for 60 percent of the necessary investment. FFA is seeking help in raising an additional $5.5 million – a relatively small investment – to inspire better citizens and leadership to lead our country, companies and communities in the future. This $5.5 million will be leverages through an additional $10 million in revenues from FFA sources and will build upon the $5 million that has already been invested by FFA, teachers and sponsors.
How does a company or individual become a sponsor of LifeKnowledge?
Your sponsorship would aid in developing the remaining key tools, services, and materials for support of teaching professionals to integrate LifeKnowledge into the classroom.What benefits do sponsors receive?
As a sponsor, you will be widely recognized as a supporter of a highly reputable life-changing program that teaches young people valuable lessons in life. But most importantly, the support will provide young people the means to recognize their potential as future employees, neighbors, and fellow citizens.What’s next for LifeKnowledge?
On the horizon are self-guided lesson plans and student assessments where teachers and students can measure their growth in areas such as responsibility, conflict resolution, and career exploration.How do I become a LifeKnowledge supporter?
To learn more about becoming a LifeKnowledge supporter, contact Jan Ferris or phone at 317-802-4424.
For Sponsors
