Students are able to obtain hands-on learning experiences through generous funding from Foundation donors
A total of 29 Wisconsin FFA members from 24 different chapters were recently awarded $22,550 in Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) grants from the Wisconsin FFA Foundation.The Wisconsin FFA Foundation awarded the 2015-16 SAE grants in four categories: aquaculture, dairy, organic agriculture and start-up. Successful candidates were chosen based on the level and scope of their SAE in accordance with their age, future goals and plans for the program as well as financial need.
Through the SAE program, students are able to create their own business or build career skills through an existing operation. They apply concepts learned in the classroom to real-world challenges and work experiences, learning valuable lessons from the outcomes. The program is one component of the agricultural education opportunities available to students throughout Wisconsin.
To apply for a Wisconsin FFA Foundation SAE grant, students must complete a five-page application explaining their SAE program, how much funding they are in need of, the expected use of those funds, and future goals with their SAE as well as FFA and other school activities. Their FFA advisor also must submit a statement about their involvement in the organization and the student's vision with their SAE.
"As we celebrate the holiday season, it's exciting to celebrate another round of Wisconsin FFA Foundation Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) grant winners," says Sara Schoenborn, Executive Director of the Wisconsin FFA Foundation. "These dedicated students are vital to the future of agriculture, and the Foundation believes it's important to give them the ability to use their classroom skills in real-world environments. They learn essential life and career skills which will carry them into the workplace in just a few short years. I truly enjoy seeing them grow and build their SAEs through the generous donations of the Foundation's donors."
Program sponsors and grant recipients are as follows:
Aquaculture SAE grants were sponsored by the Wisconsin Aquaculture Association. A $500 grant was awarded to Riley Scott Bauman of the Stratford FFA.
Dairy SAE grants were sponsored by: Andis Foundation, Foremost Farms USA, Nasco, Saputo Cheese USA Inc., We-Energies and the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. Grants in the amount of $1,000 were awarded to: Samantha Josephine Schuessler, Antigo FFA; Cody Baxter, Brodhead FFA; Skylar Stanley, Brodhead FFA; Haylie Sue Birchman, Fennimore FFA; Anna Oestreich, Jefferson FFA; Matthew Griebenow, Oconomowoc FFA; Dawn Mroczkowski, Pulaski FFA; Hailey Hendrickson, Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA; Levi Kindschi, Reedsburg FFA; Collin Wille, Rice Lake FFA; Dylan James Herbrand, Sauk Prairie FFA; and Dawson W. Nickels, Watertown FFA.
Faith Majors-Culp, Oregon FFA; and Abigail Solum, Rice Lake FFA, both were awarded a $700 grant while Grace Roth and Owen Roth, both of Boscobel FFA, received a $600 Dairy SAE grant.
Organic Agriculture SAE grants were sponsored by Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative, Inc. and Viroqua Food Co-op. Each grant is worth $500 and five were awarded to: Jesse Priest, Brillion FFA; Alivia Heller, Cochrane-Fountain City FFA; Alex Krueger, Janesville Craig FFA; Ellie Windl, Thorp FFA; and Jodie Weyland, Winneconne FFA.
Start-up grants were provided by Sartori Company and ST Paper LLC. A $1,000 Start-up grant was awarded to Blake Dean Jameson Orr of the Waupaca FFA. Sydney Delzer, Black Hawk FFA and Joshua Linder, Prairie du Chien FFA, both received $750 while Alivia Weix, Antigo FFA; Colton Klemm, Black Hawk FFA; and MacKenzie Claesges, Montello FFA all received $650 Start-up grants. Finally, Savannah Siders from the Mishicot FFA was awarded a $500 grant.
The Wisconsin FFA Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) organization, unites individuals, organizations and companies who share a common interest in the advancement of agriculture and community leadership through FFA. You can support today's FFA members by supporting the programs that have been core tenets of the FFA: proficiency awards, career development events, state FFA degrees, sectional leadership workshops, scholarships, chapter awards, agri-science fair, state FFA convention and state officer support. Learn more about the Wisconsin FFA Foundation and sponsorship opportunities by visiting www.wisconsinffafoundation.org.
1.13.2016