Don't wait until college to gain valuable skills and experiences to help prepare for your future careers and experiences! Check out these opportunities that are available to high school students:

FFA & Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)

• Participating in FFA & other CTSOs help students build resumes and develop leadership experiences and skills through participation in contests areas.

Local Youth Organizations

• Participating in church youth groups, Scouts, 4-H and other activities help to develop skills for students that last a lifetime!

  • Claremont Youth Council

  • Catawba County 4-H

Opportunities in Agriculture

Institute for Future Agriculture Leaders (IFAL)

• Sponsored by NC Farm Bureau this week long summer camp is open to rising seniors and held at either NCSU or NCA&T.

• https://www.ncfb.org/institute-for-future-agriculture-leaders-ifal/

Poultry Science Summer Institute (PSSI)

• Spend a week at NCSU learning about the different opportunities and careers available through the poultry industry!

• https://poultry4hyouth.ces.ncsu.edu/poultry-science-summer-institute/

NC State Livestock Science Camp

• Spend a week at NCSU learning about the livestock industry!

• https://cals.ncsu.edu/animal-science/extension/livestock-science-camp/

NC Soil & Water Resource Conservation Workshop

• Learn about our state's natural resources through this engaging camp!

• https://www.ncagr.gov/SWC/educational/RCW.html

General Leadership Opportunities

Foundation for Rural Service Youth Tour

• Week long trip to Washington DC to learn more about the needs of rural America in this engaging workshop.

• https://www.frs.org/programs/youth-programs/youth-tour

NC Cooperative Leadership Camp

• Week long summer camp that explores the role that cooperatives play in our economy and skills needed by future leaders.

• https://www.ccnc.coop/cooperative-leadership-camp

Opportunities for students interested in agriculture go beyond the four years that a student is enrolled in high school- check out these opportunities to continue to be involved in the agriculture industry:

FFA Alumni

• The Bandys FFA Alumni Organization allows individuals the opportunity to continue to be involved in the local chapter through a variety of events and fundraisers throughout the year. Bandys FFA Alumni Website

Catawba County Young Farmers & Ranchers

• YF&R provides opportunities to develop leadership growth, public speaking skills, advocacy strategies, and exposure to current issues in agriculture from state and national leaders. Catawba County Young Farmers & Ranchers