By Julie Tomascik
Editor

High school students have the opportunity 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.

Students in the graduating class of 2024 are eligible to participate.

“Thrive is a unique culmination of leadership development opportunities students have participated in throughout their lives and allows for valuable learning and networking,” McKenna Bush, TFB Youth Outreach coordinator, said.

During 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.

Through individual and group projects, students gain a deeper understanding of these concepts and develop personal skills that put them on the path to future success.

And it’s fun.

“Students will be focused on learning but in a hands-on, engaging and fun way. We have 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, and all Student Success Series programs, provide students an opportunity to network and learn from their peers and industry experts,” Bush said. “Thrive influences our youth to become leaders in their chosen fields and throughout the rest of their lives.”

The event will take place Aug. 4-6 in Waco at TFB’s Conference and Training Center.

The deadline to register is July 17.

There is an $80 registration fee, 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
Additional programs—Jumpstart and Activate—are available for students in eighth and ninth grade.

“There is something for everyone to take away from the Student Success Series,” Bush said. “It’s an opportunity for students 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.