Ag Issues Academy
Ag Issues Academy is a one-day workshop during State FFA Convention focusing on agricultural advocacy, policy, and state government. Through the AIA, students identify ways that agriculture supports and builds rural and urban communities.
As part of the Academy, students use the Plan, Develop, Do and Reflect model:
- Plan a process or event to increase awareness about agricultural issues
- Develop strategies to carry out their goals
- Do the event or process to raise awareness and engage others
- Reflect following the process and evaluate strategies to build and improve
AIA participants are required to complete pre-work consisting of short learning sessions and modules. These provide input and resources so that during State FFA Convention, students can formalize the Plan and Develop steps of the process. The Do component will take place in local chapters and communities in the weeks and months that follow post-convention, with Reflection completed afterwards.
Participants are also required to attend the on-site experience during the Nebraska State FFA Convention. During the workshop, students visit the State Capitol where they gain hands-on experience of how legislature works and meet with Nebraska state senators.
AIA is open to FFA members in grades 9-12. To be considered for Ag Issues Academy, students must complete an application process, and advisors must complete a recommendation.
