By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Incoming eighth and ninth grade students can dive into leadership, learn about agriculture and become more familiar with Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) through TFB’s Jumpstart and Activate programs.

“Jumpstart and Activate make up the first half of the Student Success Series programs offered,” McKenna Bush, TFB Youth Outreach coordinator, said. “The program is an opportunity for students to learn more about their community and agriculture, as well as develop critical professional skills.”

Both programs are shifting from an online format to in-person events this year with sessions scheduled in Tyler, San Antonio, Abilene and Lubbock. The in-person events offer a chance to build leadership skills through interactive, hands-on learning and meaningful networking with peers from across the state.

Jumpstart
Jumpstart is a free program for students in the graduating class of 2030.

It introduces students to TFB, highlights the importance of Texas agriculture and sparks interest in careers within the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Career Cluster.

“Eighth grade students will participate in two, hands-on workshops focused on career exploration and supply chain in agriculture,” Bush said. “Additionally, they’ll have the opportunity to interact with Activate participants in joint opening and closing sessions.”

Activate
Activate is a free program for students in the graduating class of 2029.

“Through Activate, high school freshmen build on their knowledge of Farm Bureau and explore legacy and leadership through two hands-on workshops,” Bush said. “Additionally, they’ll have the opportunity to interact with Jumpstart participants in joint opening and closing sessions.”

Student Success Series
Jumpstart and Activate are part of TFB’s Student Success Series, which also includes Engage and Thrive.

“The Student Success Series explores key skills and concepts valued by schools and employers through the lens of agriculture.” Bush said. “Students gain a fresh perspective on these concepts and a deeper understanding of agriculture’s role in everyday life.”

Engage is an in-person event hosted in each of the 13 TFB districts for high school sophomores and juniors.

Thrive is a three-day conference designed to equip high school seniors with leadership and public speaking skills.

Registration details
Registration for Jumpstart and Activate is now open

Both programs are free. Texas Farm Bureau membership is encouraged, but not required.

There are four sessions this fall:

Tyler – August 11
Tyler Rose Garden Center
420 Rose Park Dr., Tyler, TX 75702
Registration Deadline – Monday, July 28, at 11:59 p.m.

San Antonio – August 23
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Grounds
723 Frost Bank Center Dr., San Antonio, TX 78219
Registration Deadline – Friday, August 8, at 11:59 p.m.

Abilene – September 11
The Grace Museum
102 Cypress Street, Abilene, TX 79601
Registration Deadline – Thursday, August 28, at 11:59 p.m.

Lubbock – September 15
National Ranching Heritage Center
3121 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79409
Registration Deadline – Tuesday, September 2, at 11:59 p.m.

A virtual registration is open to individuals only. The virtual opportunities are observation only. No additional materials will be provided, and engagement/feedback during the session is not available. Educator registration is not available for the virtual option.

For additional details and to register, visit texasfarmbureau.org/student-success-series.

Contact Bush at mbush@txfb.org or call 254-399-5037 with questions.