By Andi Anderson
Tractor Supply Company and its foundation have surprised five high school FFA chapters by providing the necessary funds to send 75 students to the 97th Annual National FFA Convention and Expo.
This significant event, taking place in Indianapolis from October 23-26, 2024, offers FFA members opportunities to learn, compete, and develop their leadership skills.
Tractor Supply’s contribution will cover travel expenses for students from the following schools:
Mitchell Career and Technical Education Academy (South Dakota)
Riverdale High School (Tennessee)
Screven County High School (Georgia)
Southern Guilford High School (North Carolina)
Weatherford High School (Texas)
These chapters, located in areas where program funding is limited, often face financial barriers to participating in activities outside the classroom.
Without this generous support from Tractor Supply, many students would not have had the opportunity to attend this convention, which plays a pivotal role in shaping their futures in agriculture.
“At Tractor Supply, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders in agriculture,” said Marti Skold-Jordan, manager of the Tractor Supply Foundation. “The National FFA Convention is an invaluable experience for these students as they seek to further their agricultural education, and we are honored to support them in this opportunity.”
Ashley Shaw, FFA advisor at Riverdale High School, expressed her gratitude, saying, “The National FFA Convention is a highlight of the year that we want members to experience regardless of financial circumstance.”
Tractor Supply has been a dedicated partner of FFA since 1985, contributing nearly $24 million to support its programs. In 2022, Tractor Supply also launched the FFA Future Leaders Scholarship, committing $5 million over five years to help students pursue agricultural education at various institutions.
The 97th National FFA Convention and Expo remains one of the largest student conventions globally, bringing together FFA members, alumni, sponsors, and nonprofits to learn, network, and grow in the agricultural field.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fotokostic
Categories: Indiana, Equipment & Machinery