By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Students in the graduating class of 2025 are invited to build and strengthen their leadership skills, boost self-confidence and network with their peers through the Thrive program offered through Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Student Success Series.

“Thrive is a unique culmination of leadership development opportunities designed to help high school seniors examine and uncover their personal attributes and abilities, as well as inspire them to better develop their skills for their future careers and advocating for agriculture,” McKenna Bush, TFB Youth Outreach coordinator, said.

Throughout the three-day event, students will learn about the free enterprise system, leadership, personal finance, agricultural marketing and personal branding. Students will also participate in a media training.

Students will gain a deeper understanding of these concepts, while also developing personal and professional skills.

“Each activity will help students learn in a hands-on, engaging and fun way. They will also participate in team building activities in the evening, and students really get to embrace building new friendships,” Bush said.

Students who attend Thrive are eligible to participate in the AgVentures Challenge: Pitch It, Market It, Sell It competition to win up to $6,000 in scholarships and a trip to the nation’s capital.

Students are also eligible to apply for TFB’s Dick Mitchell Memorial Scholarship valued at $1,000.

“Thrive influences our youth to become leaders in their chosen fields and throughout the rest of their lives,” Bush said. “Along with other Student Success Series programs, Thrive provides students an opportunity to network and learn from their peers and industry experts.”

The event will take place Aug. 2-4 in Waco at TFB’s Conference and Training Center.

The deadline to register is July 15, and the program is limited to 150 students.

The registration link and program details are available at texasfarmbureau.org/student-success-series.

Additional Student Success Series programs
Thrive is a part of TFB’s Student Success Series, which includes virtual and in-person programs for students in eighth through twelfth grade.

The Student Success Series aims to help students develop a better understanding of advocacy, learn more about Farm Bureau and grow personal and professional skills they can use in the classroom and future careers.

Additional programs—Jumpstart and Activate—are available for students in eighth and ninth grade.

“The Student Success Series has opportunities for all high school students,” Bush said. “It provides students the opportunity to learn more about their community, agriculture and to develop critical professional skills.”

Details and registration for Jumpstart and Activate will be made available in late July on texasfarmbureau.org/student-success-series.

For more information on programs and eligibility, contact Bush at youthactivities@txfb.org.