Jumpstart, Activate equips students with leadership skills - Texas Farm Bureau
Field Editor
More than eighth- and ninth-grade students gained leadership skills, explored career opportunities, and learned more about Texas agriculture through Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Jumpstart and Activate programs. These initiatives are part of TFB’s Student Success Series, designed to support Texas youth in growing their knowledge of agriculture, advocacy, Farm Bureau, and professional development.
“Jumpstart and Activate introduce students to these concepts and provide them with a foundation to build upon,” said Dr. Clarissa Darby, TFB Youth Outreach coordinator. “They’re developing skills and gaining experiences that will serve them well as they take on new opportunities in high school.”
For the second year, both programs were offered both in-person and virtually. The eight regional in-person sessions took place in Waco, Weatherford, Brenham, Tyler, San Antonio, Abilene, Lubbock, and Canyon.
Jumpstart
Jumpstart introduced eighth-grade students to Texas agriculture, potential careers, and leadership development.
“Students participated in two hands-on workshops focusing on career exploration and learning about agricultural supply chains,” Darby noted. “These activities helped them discover areas of agriculture they may not have considered before and showcased how their interests align with future opportunities.”
The eighth-graders also joined ninth-graders in the Activate program for opening and closing sessions, fostering networking among peers and building connections within their communities.
Activate
Activate challenged ninth-grade students to build upon their understanding of Farm Bureau and develop their personal brands and leadership skills.
“Through Activate, high school freshmen delved deeper into Farm Bureau while exploring the type of leaders they aspire to be and the legacies they want to leave,” Darby said. “Understanding the agricultural supply chain and cultivating personal brands equips them with practical skills that can guide them into leadership roles.”