In 2021, the Sumner-Eddyville-Miller (SEM) agriculture education program received a Local Chapter Grant from the Nebraska FFA Foundation. With this grant, they were able to purchase new equipment to expand learning opportunities for students in the woods classroom.
Grant money was imperative to start a woodworking program at SEM. Last year they purchased a 3-phase vertical wood/metal bandsaw, a 3 horsepower heavy-duty planer, and a parallelogram jointer with a helical cutter head and mobile base. Prior to the new purchases, students could not effectively expand their knowledge in woodworking due to a lack of equipment and limited options for projects. With rising technology in the woodworking industry, students need access to high-tech equipment so they can be prepared for careers. Now, students are utilizing the new equipment to build projects such as feed bunks, end tables, and nightstands.
The woods class took on the task of making cornhole boards for multiple businesses and community members. The new equipment has made an impact on more than just the agriculture students. Some SEM business students have been doing laser engraving and utilizing shop tools to engrave plaques.
Woodworking is a rapidly growing area in the SEM ag education program. In addition to providing fundraising opportunities for the FFA chapter, the new equipment gives students access to industry-standard equipment that will prepare them for a variety of careers in agriculture and skilled and technical sciences.
