INDIANAPOLIS – As chief program officer for the National FFA Organization, it’s Christine P. White’s job to oversee the development and implementation of all the organization’s educational programs and initiatives. She makes sure the programs align with FFA’s mission of preparing members for leadership, and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.

For her “extraordinary achievements in the education and learning sector,” officials with the Education 2.0 Conference honored her with their Outstanding Leadership Award earlier this year.

White has more than two decades of experience in agricultural and youth development. She joined the National FFA Organization 19 years ago. She said both the nomination and the award left her genuinely surprised and honored.

“This recognition means a great deal to me as it reflects the hard work and dedication I’ve invested over the last two and a half decades in the education profession and in fulfilling the mission of the National FFA Organization,” White told Farm World. “It’s a testament to my commitment to advancing agricultural education and supporting our members.”

The goal of the conference is to bring the global education community together to facilitate knowledge sharing and to look for solutions to issues faced in education transmittal today, according to its website.

White said her involvement with FFA began when she was a student – and active member – throughout high school.

“I have a lifelong passion for agriculture, having grown up on a family farm,” she explained. “Those formative years instilled in me a deep appreciation for the impact of agricultural education and the opportunities it provides. As a classroom agricultural educator and FFA adviser for over seven years, I worked to challenge and inspire students, instilling in them a love for agriculture, leadership and civic engagement. It was a privilege to help them grow and develop into productive citizens of our school and community.”

White has served in various capacities with the organization, which she said allowed her to gain a broad understanding of its programs and the needs of its members. She became chief program officer five years ago.

“I wanted to join FFA because I believe in its mission and wanted to contribute to shaping the future of agriculture by empowering young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed,” White noted.

When developing new programs for FFA, White said their goals include fostering leadership, personal growth and career success among their members. They want to create programs that are inclusive, accessible and relevant to the diverse interests and career paths within agriculture, she said. They prioritize hands-on learning experiences, innovation and collaboration with industry partners to ensure that their programs provide practical and up-to-date knowledge, she said.

As for new programs, White said they are evaluated for how well they align with FFA’s core mission and goals, which center on developing leadership, personal growth and career success for their members. The current and future needs of the agricultural industry are also considered, as is feedback from members, educators and partners.

“We also assess the feasibility of implementation, including resources required, potential partnerships, and how the program will integrate with our existing offerings to provide a comprehensive educational experience.”

One of FFA’s program areas focuses on teaching and improving life skills. White said an example of this type of programming is the Living to Serve initiative, which encourages community service and civic engagement.

“Through this program, members participate in activities that build skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving while fostering a sense of responsibility and giving back to their communities,” she said.

Overall, she said the organization hopes FFA members gain, through the programming, a well-rounded set of skills that prepare them for success in all areas of life. This includes developing strong leadership abilities, gaining practical agricultural knowledge, and acquiring essential life skills such as critical thinking, resilience, and effective communication, White said. FFA wants its members to leave the programs with a deep sense of purpose, confidence in their abilities, and a passion for contributing to the agricultural community and beyond, she said.

“Our organization is more than just programs and activities,” White pointed out. “It’s a supportive network of peers, mentors and industry professionals who are dedicated to helping each other succeed. This sense of community fosters lifelong connections and opens doors to numerous opportunities. Additionally, as the agricultural industry continues to evolve, we remain committed to adapting and innovating our programs to ensure they are relevant and beneficial to our members.”