Partners in Active Learning Support (PALS)

PALS Logo

Program Overview

Pals is a mentoring program that matches high school agriculture students with elementary school students. Developed by the National FFA Organization, the program helps those involved to build trust in others and develop positive self-esteem, both of which are critically lacking in many of today's challenged young people.The program brings parents and members of the community back into the school and into their children's education. Kids learn the importance of helping others and how good it feels to have a special friend. Their tender friendships blossom into poignant moments that can capture the attention of the whole community. The overwhelming sense of camaraderie is helping communities pull together and accomplish things they never thought possible.

Many agriculture teachers say it is the ideal FFA program because it doesn't take much in the way of financial resources. Instead, PALS makes the most of the human resources found in every community. By providing a solid framework, it creates synergy among the participants so that everyone involved is enriched in the process. And, it provides a way for students to fulfill the FFA motto:

PALS in the Classroom

Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.

Through PALS, FFA members are teaching and promoting agricultural literacy to students and teachers at the elementary level. This, in turn, is creating a climate of understanding and acceptance of FFA and agricultural education. In schools with PALS, administrators, counselors and teachers are looking at agricultural education and FFA as an important component of the educational curriculum. The program opens the door for a more diverse membership and helps form a strong community partnership.

Program Sponsorship

PALS is sponsored by Campbell Soup Company as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

PALS Newsletter

Funding Opportunities 2010

Community Gardening

Is your PALS chapter located in an urban or metropolitan setting? The following grant opportunity might be for you. Yeah, click here to check it out now!! The deadline for applying is August 2, 2010.

Rural Youth Development - Living to Serve

Is your FFA chapter located in a rural community serving a population of 10,000 or less? If it is, your chapter might be eligible for a Living to Serve grant!

Tutoring

Are you wanting to start a PALS program with a focus on tutoring? Have you started a PALS tutoring program, but are looking for funds to expand the quality and impact of your program? Then apply today for a $2,000 grant. The deadline for applying is August 2, 2010. For more information contact the program manager at pals@ffa.org or 317-802-4413.

Other Sources

Channing Bete Company Green Education Foundation  Green Thumb Challenge

Program Materials & Resources

Million Hour Challenge

PALS is proud to support the National FFA Organization's Million Hour Challenge, a national civic engagement initiative created to inspire, motivate, and reward FFA chapters performing volunteerism within their communities. To log your chapter's PALS hours or to learn more about the initiative, go to Million Hour Challenge today!

Additional Recommended Peer Programming Web Sites

PALS CD-ROM

A great resource to help chapters who would like to start PALS programs or chapters who have been involved with PALS for years make the most powerful impact on their community possible. This resource is designed to aid advisors and members in developing support and plans of action for their PALS program. Included are ready made power points, activities and documents that can be used to train mentors, tell supporters about the program or use in the mentoring process.

The CD-ROM contains the following information:

Order online from FFA Unlimited.

Program Contacts

pals@ffa.org or 317-802-4413

The National FFA Organization affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff.