When the Nebraska FFA Foundation presents grant funding, it’s not necessarily a one-and-done deal—it’s an investment in a chapter’s potential to grow and adapt over time.
That’s exactly the case for Central City FFA. The chapter received not one, not two, but three grants from the NeFFA Foundation to update and expand their welding and metal labs and launch two school-based enterprise SAEs. This has led to a top-tier shop program and has allowed the school to host an annual welding competition.
The first grant, received in 2023, was used to purchase underwater welding equipment, aluminum spool guns for aluminum MIG welding, and other welding supplies.
“Exposing students to different welding processes, different equipment, and providing them with many opportunities to practice gives them a leg up when applying for industry jobs,” says Alex Stocker, Central City FFA advisor.
Stocker also needed to upgrade the welding equipment to align with the requirements of dual-credit courses that he began teaching in partnership with Central Community College. Because of these advanced classes, Central City has had many students earn their Production Welding Certificates from CCC, and several have entered the workforce with local businesses.
In 2024, Central City FFA received a second grant to purchase a new plasma table system with the goal of starting a school-based enterprise SAE. Once the system was installed, students began taking orders and designing, cutting, and painting signs and other projects for local customers. According to Stocker, the project was costly, but they were fortunate to receive funding from several sources, including the NeFFA Foundation grant in partnership with Central Valley Ag.
Last fall, Central City received a Foundation chapter grant with the intention to start a new school-based enterprise in the Ag Sales and Ag Business classrooms. The classes proposed the idea to purchase a laser engraver to enable students to create plaques, tumblers, name plates, and other awards for the school and community. Students chose this project after difficulties getting awards for their banquet. The class brainstormed ideas and eventually landed on the idea to make their own. And so, the Bison Laser business concept was born.
When the Foundation works with a chapter on a series of grants, it’s a full-circle moment to witness projects and school-based enterprises come to life, grow, and flourish.
