Sulphur Springs chapter president selected to participate in prestigious leadership program Image
Ashley Dunkerley Fri, 07/05/2024 - 05:19 Body
Austin — Every spring, the Texas FFA Association, Ford Motor Company and Texas Ford Dealers select 10 deserving students to join the Ford Leadership Scholars Program. Through the Texas FFA Foundation and Texas FFA Association’s partnership with Ford Motor Company and Texas Ford Dealers, outstanding juniors heading into their senior year are chosen for the hands-on leadership and service program. Sulphur Springs FFA President Jordan VanWinkle is one of the 10 selected to participate in this presigious program.
“Every year, we are in awe at how many incredible students in Texas are dedicated to implementing change. They lead by example and truly care about their communities,” said Jennifer Jackson, Texas FFA Association executive director. “This year’s class is no different and we are looking forward to seeing the impactful projects they will oversee during their time as a Ford Leadership Scholar.”
Texas FFA members apply for the leadership program to develop a meaningful way to give back to their community. Service is vital to the FFA as is reflected in the last line of the organization's motto, “Living to Serve.'
To be honored as a Ford Leadership Scholar is a true feat. More than 50 Texas FFA members apply annually and are put through a rigorous interview process to pinpoint students who truly embody the FFA’s “Living to Serve” mission. Students complete an online application, take an exam around assigned leadership text, conduct a telephone interview and are a part of a day-long behavioral interview as well.
The Ford Leadership Scholars program was developed in 2010 through a Texas FFA Foundation and Texas Ford Dealers partnership aimed to enhance the leadership opportunities of Texas FFA members.
The program provides an extensive development experience for students through a week-long training seminar, relationship with their mentor, and the exposure they will have to key business and nationally recognized industry leaders. During this time, students complete a year-long substantial and sustainable service capstone projects to fill a need they see within their community.
Over the past 14 years, the Texas FFA Ford Leadership Scholars program has seen 140 scholars from 97 different chapters across the state. Through those individuals 95 communities have seen the positive impact the program can have.
Chosen students also receive a $1,000 academic scholarship to support their education.
The 10 selected students all met the criteria of exemplifying six key characteristics of leadership: action, relationships, vision, character, awareness and continuous improvement.
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