Pulling in Community

The Pike Valley agricultural education program engages multiple community members, says Katie Carlgren, agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor in Scandia.

“We are fortunate that the community is highly invested in our school, people and businesses,” says Carlgren. “Investing in our young people is an investment in the future. I am proud of the rapport we have with our partners.”

Raised in the local area, Carlgren brings in deep relationships to benefit her students.

“I strive to make connections between the community and students whether through guest speakers, field trips, inclusion in projects or features on social media,” says Carlgren. “Agriculture is our area’s number one industry, and I believe that also helps us to continue fostering relationships that benefit not only our chapter but local business and people.”

The chapter engages with social media, newspaper, radio and word-of-mouth networking. Constantly exploring and investigating new opportunities, the chapter experienced strong growth over the past eight years.

“We have students who are traditional agriculture students that come from a production or agribusiness background, but we also have students who live in town with no background,” says Carlgren. “That is one of the beautiful things about our program; we developed a culture that people want to be a part of with more than just production.”

As a 1A school in North Central Kansas, nearly 75% of the student population are FFA members, who are active and involved.

“Our culture developed an opportunity for everyone to find success if they choose, try new things, as well as embrace a diverse membership of traditional and non-traditional agriculture students,” says Carlgren.

The Pike Valley Chapter encourages students to embrace change and be change makers.

“Thinking outside the box is a mantra of sorts for myself and our chapter,” says Carlgren. “I coach the students to be constantly reflecting and thinking about how we can live the FFA motto and share the message of agriculture and leadership.”

As a teacher who transitioned into agricultural education from a different career, Carlgren’s previous experience outside of the classroom influences the program.

“It allows me to have some different perspectives on content, instruction, relationships and the ‘business’ of running a successful program,” she says. “When I was in high school, I wanted to be an agriculture teacher, but thought I wouldn’t be ‘right’ for it so changed my direction. I am a better teacher because of my path.”

The chapter also chartered a new alumni and supporters chapter in 2022.

“Our board and members are composed of individuals who are Pike Valley alumni, alumni from different programs in the state and even people who were never in FFA but believe in what we are doing and want to support it,” says Carlgren.