CIEDA partners with Oklahoma FFA Association to support future workforce pipeline.

April 28, 2022

For the first time in its history, more than 10,000 Oklahoma FFA members will gather in Tulsa for the Oklahoma State FFA Convention, May 2-3. Students, educators, parents, legislators, corporate donors, and more will gather to present scholarships and other recognitions. These awards are based on students' supervised agriculture experiences, career development events, student-led business operations, work-based experiences and more, earning their place as a valuable and key solution to our state's workforce pipeline. 

The National FFA Organization is the largest youth organization in the nation with a mission to make a positive difference in students' lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. 

While the organization has previously been known as the Future Farmers of America, the offerings provided by The National FFA Association today encompass far more than traditional farming and livestock instruction. Students have the opportunity to study agriculture-focused components of automation, web design, technology, sales, and marketing, and more. Additionally, through its Career and Leadership Development Events, students gain invaluable skills such as relationship and team building, public speaking, analysis, critical thinking, policy advocacy, and how to conduct effective meetings.

Over the past five years, CIEDA has formed valuable partnerships with FFA programs across Rogers County. As CIEDA launched its Learn and Earn student career experience initiative, we strategically focused on FFA students. This intentional approach was due to the structure of courses offered in an FFA program, such as animal science, power and technology or shop programs, agriculture biology, veterinary science and more. These provide the core foundations needed for careers in Rogers County. CIEDA has also provided safety supply grants for Rogers County FFA students used in agriculture mechanics and technology courses, increasing the talent pipeline for in-demand jobs like welding.

Our region is facing record-low unemployment rates. However, there are still high levels of job demand in Rogers County's industrial and health care sectors. CIEDA staff will join more than 125 other exhibitors at the State FFA Convention Expo, allowing our team to meet, engage, and interact with students highlighting the county's career and quality of life opportunities.

The FFA motto is "Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve." As a proud former Rogers County FFA member, one of the most critical focus areas was to live to serve and to contribute back to those who come after you. It is an honor and privilege to have the opportunity in our backyard to interact with the organization I know is having a lasting, life-long impact on so many. I am confident our time at the state convention will provide countless opportunities to recruit the next generation of leaders for Rogers County. 

If you see an FFA member this weekend, wish them good luck as they compete in state contests, reaping the rewards of their hard work and dedication after a very busy year. 

Living to Serve,

Meggie Froman-Knight 

CIEDA Executive Director