Mia Stowe of Gilmer FFA Recognized as a Ford Leadership Scholar
Stowe one of 10 Texas students chosen to receive FFA Association academic scholarship
(AUSTIN) – May 30, 2023 – Every spring, the Texas FFA Association, Ford Motor Company and Texas Ford Dealers select 10 deserving students to join the Ford Leadership Scholars Program. The class of 2023 has now been announced including Mia Stowe of Gilmer’s FFA chapter. Through the Texas FFA Foundation and Texas FFA Association’s partnership with Ford Motor Company and Texas Ford Dealers, outstanding juniors heading into their senior year are chosen for the hands-on leadership program.
“Every year, we are in awe at how many incredible students in Texas are dedicated to implementing change. They lead by example and truly care about their communities,” said Jennifer Jackson, Texas FFA Association executive director. “This year’s class is no different and we are looking forward to seeing the impactful projects they will oversee during their time as a Ford Leadership Scholar.”
Stowe applied for the leadership program to develop a meaningful way to give back to her community. Service is vital to the FFA as is reflected in the last line of the organization’s motto, “Living to Serve”. Stowe believes in a lifelong obligation to serve, and that through service, people can overcome issues within the communities that they love.
To be honored as a Ford Leadership Scholar is a true feat. More than 50 Texas FFA members apply annually and are put through a rigorous interview process to pinpoint students who truly embody the FFA’s “Living to Serve” mission. Students like Stowe complete an online application, take an exam around assigned leadership text, conduct a telephone interview and are a part of a day-long behavioral interview as well.
What Does the Ford Leadership Scholars Program Entail?
The Ford Leadership Scholars program provides an extensive development experience for students through a week-long training seminar, strong relationships with their mentors, and valuable exposure to key business and nationally recognized industry leaders. During this time, students complete a year-long community service project to fill a need they see within their city from building greenhouses at their school to jumpstart agriculture education to hosting life skill classes for other teens and young adults. Chosen students also receive a $1,000 academic scholarship to support their education.
The 10 selected students all met the criteria of exemplifying six key characteristics of leadership: action, relationships, vision, character, awareness and continuous improvement.
About The Texas FFA Association
The Texas FFA is a student organization for future leaders who use scientific, agricultural learning to solve real-world problems. Founded in 1929, today the organization is the nation’s largest state FFA association with over 169,333 members strong and facilitates more than $2.3 million in scholarships every year. Texas FFA gives students the opportunity to apply practical classroom knowledge to real-world experiences through local, state, and national competitions. For more information please visit www.texasffa.org.