Nearly 300 high school juniors and seniors from 136 counties will visit Tarleton State University June 11-15 for the annual Texas Farm Bureau Youth Leadership Conference.
More than 13,000 students have attended the conference since 1963. This marks the seventh consecutive year Tarleton has hosted the event.
“Tarleton is honored to welcome the 55th annual Texas Farm Bureau Youth Leadership Conference to our campus,” said Tarleton President F. Dominic Dottavio. “We are proud of our rich agricultural heritage and of our long-lasting partnership with Texas Farm Bureau, a leading voice for agricultural interests in our state.”
According to Texas Farm Bureau, the conference aims to help students better understand their American heritage, the Constitution and the free-enterprise system. Conference leaders, who are authorities in government, history and economics, emphasize patriotism, responsibility and leadership.
Dr. Kyle McGregor, vice president of Tarleton’s Institutional Advancement, will welcome students to the Stephenville campus. Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening will address participants on behalf of the organization.
Throughout the conference, student teams will prepare business plan presentations for a product of their choice. Breakout sessions will offer lessons on public speaking, money investment and professional etiquette, among other topics. Keynote speakers will discuss how to set and implement goals.
As part of the conference, students can compete for scholarships via the Free Enterprise Speech Contest. Last year, Texas Farm Bureau awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships.
“The Youth Leadership Conference is an opportunity for high school juniors to learn, network and grow,” said Mia Balko, director of Youth and Urban Outreach. “We are helping young Texans become engaged citizens and tomorrow’s leaders.”
