By Julie Tomascik
Editor

The Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Youth Leadership Conference will be held virtually this year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“We made the difficult decision to change the format of our annual Youth Leadership Conference and make it a virtual event for 2020,” Mia Balko, TFB director of Youth Outreach, said. “Although we will have to make adjustments, we are still excited about offering a meaningful online experience for all participants.”

The Virtual Leadership Conference will still focus on the free enterprise system, patriotism and leadership.

Students will complete modules covering the U.S. Constitution, the free enterprise system and public speaking skills.

“A virtual scavenger hunt will also allow them the opportunity to learn more about Texas Farm Bureau and all the organization has to offer,” Balko said.

The online learning modules will be hosted via Google classroom.

Students will be eligible for the following prizes for each module they complete:

  • VLC t-shirt
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • 36-ounce YETI Rambler
  • North Face Recon backpack

Students who will be entering their junior or senior year in August of 2020 are eligible to apply for the Virtual Leadership Conference.

“Today’s students are accustomed to learning information online. With the impacts of COVID-19, Texas youth are adapting as best they can to learning information online,” Balko said. “The Virtual Leadership Conference meets students where they are right now—online. We are aiming to make this experience as fun as we can and allowing students to connect with others virtually across the state.”

Visit https://texasfarmbureau.org/youth/youth-opportunities/ for more information and directions to complete the application process.

The deadline to apply is May 30. Click here to register through the MyTFB membership portal.

Selected students will be notified by their county Farm Bureau and invited to the Google classroom by TFB staff.

The online learning modules will be available from June 1-30. There is no cost for the event.

“This Virtual Leadership Conference will allow students to qualify for the Free Enterprise Speech contest and scholarship opportunities,” Balko said.

Students will also be able to apply for a junior counselor position for the Youth Leadership Conference in 2021.

“This has been a difficult spring for students and communities, but we hope the Virtual Leadership Conference helps connect students all around the state on topics that are important to all Texans and Americans—the Constitution and the free enterprise system,” Balko said.

For more information, contact Balko at mbalko@txfb.org or 254-399-5037.