By Andi Anderson
Indiana Farm Bureau has announced the launch of a new youth leadership initiative called GenConnect.
The program is designed to support high school students who are interested in developing leadership skills while learning about agriculture and community involvement.
Applications for the program are now open, and the program is scheduled to begin in June.
GenConnect is a six-month mentorship program that will select ten high school students from across the state. Each student will be paired with an experienced Indiana Farm Bureau member who will serve as a mentor.
The goal is to build strong relationships between youth and professionals while respecting agricultural traditions and welcoming new ideas and evolving technologies.
“We have great youth programing in our state with 4-H and FFA,” said Annie Romine, INFB youth engagement coordinator. “But GenConnect will allow youth to start their personal journey with Indiana Farm Bureau at a younger age.”
The program structure includes three in-person workshops, one virtual learning session, an optional service activity, and a final capstone project.
Through these activities, students will learn about the foundations of agricultural success, work ethic, stewardship, and community engagement. They will also gain exposure to modern agricultural practices and forward-thinking solutions used in today’s farming industry.
The program is open to current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. It is intended for students who may still be exploring their leadership abilities and interests.
Applications are open through April 30, 2026, and only ten participants will be selected. After students are chosen, mentors will be recommended by Indiana Farm Bureau field staff from the students’ home or nearby counties.
“Besides the desire to introduce Indiana Farm Bureau to youth during high school, I am equally excited about the opportunity this program provides for the mentors,” said Romine. “We often hear from members who are looking for their place in Farm Bureau. Maybe they’ve held a leadership position within the Young Farmers & Ag Professionals (YF&AP) program or have aged out of YF&AP and there aren’t current opportunities for leadership on their boards. Being a mentor with GenConnect is the perfect opportunity for these members to intentionally engage with Indiana Farm Bureau and mentor the next generation of Farm Bureau leaders.”
More details and the application form are available at infb.org/youth. Interested students are encouraged to apply before the April 30 deadline.
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Categories: Indiana, Education