By Scout Nelson
The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) in Curtis, renowned for its agriculture-focused programs, has inspired the creation of a Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter at Ellicott High School in Colorado. The process began when NCTA’s admissions recruiter visited the school, sparking an idea in science teacher Kathleen Baca’s mind.
Baca, who has a background in biology and 4-H livestock projects, realized agriculture classes could benefit Ellicott’s students. She introduced an animal science course for seniors as a trial, but her vision expanded after attending NCTA’s Ag Teachers Bootcamp.
“After I attended the Ag Bootcamp, I had direction for offering the high school ag classes,” said Baca. “That Bootcamp one hundred percent solidified my idea of adding ag classes to Ellicott’s curriculum. I learned so much content at Ag Bootcamp,”
“And I experienced so many hands-on activities to bring back to the classroom. We were just loaded with content and given all the visual aids of each session to incorporate into our classrooms,” said Baca.
“Three or four years ago, I looked into FFA by talking to other Colorado school districts,” said Jeffrey Zick, Ellicott High School principal. “A common theme emerged from each conversation. School leaders told me that successful programming was extremely teacher-dependent. A dedicated teacher makes a great program.”
Achieving FFA certification was a significant milestone. After months of persistence, Ellicott’s chapter was officially chartered in November 2024. Since then, Baca and the school’s five FFA members have been actively participating in agricultural projects and planning community events.
The school’s commitment to agriculture education continues with its selection for the FY24 Innovations in CTE Grant for Veterinary Science. This opportunity will allow Baca to attend a professional development workshop, equipping her to teach veterinary science courses.
NCTA, part of the University of Nebraska system, is a two-year institution recognized for its affordable tuition, high job-placement rates, and successful competitive teams in agriculture-related fields. Its support for initiatives like the Ag Teachers Bootcamp underscores its role in fostering agricultural education nationwide.
With growing student interest and strong leadership, Ellicott’s FFA chapter is poised to thrive, creating new opportunities for students to explore agriculture and related careers.
Photo Credit: nebraska-ffa
Categories: Nebraska, Education