Your seed supplier, equipment dealer, or farmers market are probably relatively close to where you farm, so it’s easy for growers to think of their operations on a local level. But when you read the news of trade negotiations, market fluctuations, and biotechnology impacts, you get the sense of how agriculture is connected globally.
Legacy International — an organization in Bedford County, Virginia, that trains and mentors community leaders, youth, and governmental and non-governmental administrators — hopes to bring that world view of agriculture a step closer for five U.S. teens. Legacy is inviting applications for students ages 15 to 17 from Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia for a leadership program and experiment in international living at Legacy’s Global Youth Village from July 23 to August 5.
The five U.S. teens will join 16 teens visiting as part of a program from Turkey to take part in leadership workshops, coupled with cultural events, sports and arts all combine to heighten respect of differences and lead one on a discovery of similarities that transcend cultural, religious, and political barriers.
The program explores:
- U.S. agrarian, rural communities; learning about agribusiness practices, youth education and engagement in agricultural development;
- Models such as 4-H, FFA, or others that bridge leadership, agriculture, and potential economic opportunities;
- Methods, tools, activities, and resources for creating peer engagement activities at home;
- Agronomy — students understand and demonstrate the many ways that science and technology collaborate to grow the world’s major food crops.
The Turkish students, who hail from agricultural region of Anatolia, will all have a background in farming. The exchange program is designed to enhance their ability to serve as contributing members within their agrarian, rural communities, while also embracing science-based innovations in agriculture. Programs like this foster lifelong international connections and are met with a lot of enthusiasm by participants.
The scholarships provided include the 14-day Youth Leadership residential program, along with meals and housing for the entire time.
If you’re age 15 to 17 in Virginia, North Carolina, or West Virginia and want to apply, you can apply here. The deadline for applications is May 10.
