Provided by Ford Motor Company, Texas Ford Dealers, Texas FFA Foundation, and Texas FFA Association.
Becoming a Ford Leadership Scholar is a chance for you to step out and make a difference not only for yourself but for your community.
Each year, the program will select 10 new Scholars. To be eligible, applicants must be juniors in high school who have met the requirements of the Lone Star Degree and demonstrate an interest in the topic of leadership.
The criteria for selection will be assessed based on six key characteristics of leadership: action, relationships, vision, character, awareness, and continuous improvement—identified by agriculture industry leaders. The process involves submitting an application, taking an exam on a leadership book, and undergoing an in-person evaluation by a selection committee.
The entire application is completed through the online roster system. Advisors must log onto the Roster System to select students to apply.
The application process requires both student and advisor submission, so students should submit the application in a timely manner, allowing for advisor approval.
The Scholars will participate in a week-long training seminar prior to state convention. During that time, they will begin to think about a community service project to work on for the remainder of their time as a scholar. Each Scholar will be assigned a mentor who will assist the Scholar through their leadership project during the fall semester. In late winter/early spring, each Scholar will present his or her project results to the entire group for evaluation. If completed successfully, the Scholar will have effectively completed the Ford Leadership Scholars program.
Scholars have a tremendous opportunity to grow as leaders through the training they will receive, the relationship with their mentor, and the exposure they will have to key business and industry leaders. The scholars will also be recognized on stage at the State FFA Convention and receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Applications are due in January for the program. Selection of students will conclude in May. The training will be in June, and the community service projects begin in August. Project evaluation will occur in the spring. The entire Ford Leadership Scholars process should take about 1 full year from application until conclusion.
Project: Summer Food 4 Kids
"I am establishing social media platforms and a website for my local Summer Food 4 Kids Program to hopefully increase community awareness and gain support and volunteers. Additionally, I will be fundraising for the program so that it may be sustained for many years to come."
Project: Skills for Life
"Skills for Life aims to help teens and young adults find and develop their interests while encouraging them to become responsible citizens and leaders. In order to achieve its goal, Skills for Life hosts one to two hour classes, each highlighting a different life skill, every three months.
The longevity of this program is ensured by the dedicated members of the community of Weimar, the Weimar FFA, and the Weimar High School counseling program.
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Project: Live, Learn, Love
"Live, Learn, Love is a podcast I developed that explores leadership, health, career opportunities, wellness and personal development. My aspiration is to grow in all areas of life and help other people do the same which has allowed me to sustain this project beyond high school and into college. So far I have over 70 episodes in which I have interviewed individuals from various backgrounds and fields of expertise."
If you are inspired to further develop your leadership and project management skills, while making an impact on your community, contact your advisor today.
The application process requires both student and advisor submission, so students should submit the application in a timely manner, allowing for advisor approval.
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