Fall River High School agricultural and technology education students Colton Dykstra (far left), Connor Dykstra (fourth from left), Clara Mickelson (third from right) and Daniel Mickelson (second from right) and their instructor, Ryan Seichter (far right), accept a grant that was used to provide hands-on learning opportunities. EK representatives Dani Geiger (second from left) and Emily Weinberger (third from left), as well as community supporter Christine Lindner (fourth from right), also attended the check presentation. Photo courtesy of Christine Lindner.
Where some see obstacles, others see opportunities. Take Christine Lindner in south-central Wisconsin, for example. This Beaver Dam FFA Chapter Alumna, past state officer and Wisconsin FFA Foundation board member is helping revitalize agricultural education in her community.
“When the Fall River [school district] hired Ryan Seichter, a technology education instructor who had taught agricultural education at a neighboring school, he had a desire to bring FFA to our school,” Lindner says. “He’s a family friend, and from my long-time involvement with FFA, I immediately got behind the idea to support bringing back the Fall River FFA Chapter after a 25-year hiatus.”
Fall River FFA members attend their first National FFA Convention & Expo in 2023. Photo courtesy of Christine Lindner.
In 2023, Seichter and newly hired agriculture teacher Ryan Christian rechartered the chapter to serve the district’s 430 students. With roughly 60% of graduates entering the workforce or attending technical colleges, strong science and technology courses are essential to the district.
Seeing the community’s enthusiasm, Lindner rallied school administrators, parents and community members to launch an FFA Alumni and Supporters program — known as the Fall River Career and Technical Education (CTE) Supporters — in February 2024. The program has secured more than $70,000 in grants — and is aiming for $100,000 — to benefit FFA members, as well as students in SkillsUSA, robotics, culinary and health sciences programs.
“Our community and school district have been immensely supportive of helping students connect to agriculture and the trades, including passing a referendum for a new technology and agriculture department space featuring a new animal lab,” Lindner says.
6 Ways to Make an Impact
Lindner emphasizes that committed volunteers are the backbone of the CTE Supporters’ success. If you’re looking to grow a program of your own, she shares the following six ways FFA Alumni and Supporters can lend a hand.
1. Host a fundraiser.
“We host an annual trivia night, which brings together the community and showcases student talent, including a meal prepared by our culinary program,” Lindner says.
2. Apply for grants.
Leverage national, state and local grants to support new equipment and hands-on learning.
3. Provide mentorship.
Connect members with experts and volunteers who can prepare them for career and leadership development events, youth apprenticeships and internships.
4. Offer scholarships.
“One of our first priorities was providing funding to help graduating seniors continue in agriculture, science or tech pathways,” Lindner says.
5. Tap into resources.
Don’t feel pressured to reinvent the wheel. Lean on leaders to guide and connect you.
Agricultural and technology education instructor Ryan Christian (left) completes a woodworking project with a Fall River High School student (right). Photo courtesy of Christine Lindner.
6. Share your story.
Keep stakeholders informed on your progress. “We use newsletters, social media and community events to showcase our progress and keep people engaged,” Lindner says. “FFA changed the trajectory of my life, and it’s a passion of mine to help youth gain leadership and life skills through agriculture.”
Invest in the Future
FFA members, chapters and advisors across the country need you. Consider plugging into an FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter, or use these five steps to start the process of chartering one in your community.
