The North Pike FFA Chapter learns new lessons from having hands-on experiences in its new greenhouse and applies these to benefit the community.
The North Pike FFA Chapter in Mississippi not only educates its members about the science of horticulture through a greenhouse, but also empowers them to take action in community service.
The chapter received support from a grant that would expand its program by building a transformative greenhouse. Through the thriving greenhouse, members grow plants while broadening leadership skills, ranging from teaching and feeding local elementary students to selling plants at farmers’ markets and developing responsibility and workforce readiness.
North Pike Elementary CLUE students grow plants, develop responsibility and enhance their agriculture knowledge.
The Grant That Advanced Service
North Pike FFA received a grant from the BlueCross BlueShield Foundation of Mississippi to build the new empowering greenhouse. From then on, agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Kimberly Bean guided her students on lessons in horticulture, plant propagation, hydroponics and much more. This was a chance for students to get out of their textbooks and apply their classroom knowledge through hands-on activities while developing problem-solving and career skills.
“This greenhouse gives our students the chance to see the entire growing process from seed to harvest,” Bean says. “It’s about more than growing plants; it’s about growing future agricultural leaders.”
The greenhouse provides North Pike agriculture students with opportunities to practice their lessons and skills directly.
Growing the Next Generation of Leaders in Agriculture
The chapter taught some of North Pike’s elementary CLUE students about healthy eating and where their food comes from. They were able to grow their own crops and learn the process of plant stages. Afterwards, they were able to cook and taste different vegetables that they may not eat at home.
This act of service planted a seed not only in the soil, but also in the children. In the greenhouse, the students discovered the beauty of agriculture, plant cultivation and the joy of creating something with their own hands. Seeds of curiosity and confidence were planted, and a new generation of agriculturists began to take root.
FFA Develops Leaders Who Grow Beyond Themselves
North Pike FFA educates elementary students about the process of how their food is grown.
The grant that North Pike FFA received provided a greenhouse for lessons in planning crop rotations, tracking germination rates and even exploring entrepreneurial projects, such as growing herbs and vegetables. With the chance to expand the program, the chapter was able to give back to others. Supporting FFA gives an opportunity to these members to learn about agricultural careers through service and competitions, and it allows them to make a difference in their homes and community.
Learn more about supporting students to make these impacts by visiting the National FFA Foundation or contacting a local chapter near you.
