INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (RFD News) — This past year marked a first for the National FFA Organization with the launch of a new program designed to connect students from different backgrounds. The Chapter Connect initiative pairs FFA chapters from across the country with the goal of building stronger relationships and expanding perspectives.
The organization kicked off the program with a Chapter Connect convention, bringing students together in person to begin forming those connections.
Corey Flournoy, Executive in Residence for Belonging and Engagement, says the program is designed to encourage growth through new experiences.
“The whole intention of the program was we wanted students to grow from getting to meet students not like themselves and actually have an opportunity to re-engage multiple times throughout the week.”
Flournoy says getting to watch those relationships form was a highlight from the convention.
“Seeing the sheer excitement from chapters [getting] to see each other, high-five, and hug each other. You see the relationships already beginning to develop. My hope is that these students will have similar experiences that i have.”
He adds that the program is not just beneficial for students, but also serves as a resource for advisors looking to enhance classroom instruction.
