Overview:

The IAVAT Conference Attendance Grant aims to provide financial support to FFA Advisors who have not had the opportunity to attend the annual Illinois Association of Vocational Agricultural Teachers (IAVAT) Conference in the past three years. This grant recognizes the invaluable role of FFA Advisors in shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders and seeks to empower them with the resources necessary to enhance their professional development and educational impact.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of this grant is to remove financial barriers that may have prevented FFA Advisors from attending the IAVAT Conference in recent years. By offering funding support, we aim to enable FFA Advisors to participate fully in this essential professional development opportunity, which offers valuable workshops, networking opportunities, and resources specifically tailored to their needs and interests.

Grant Objectives:

• To provide financial assistance to FFA Advisors who have not attended the IAVAT Conference in the past three years.
• To support the professional development and educational growth of FFA Advisors by facilitating their attendance at the IAVAT Conference.
• To enhance the knowledge, skills, and effectiveness of FFA Advisors through exposure to innovative teaching methods, curriculum resources, and industry trends available at the IAVAT Conference.
• To strengthen the network and collaboration among FFA Advisors by providing opportunities for shared learning, idea exchange, and professional networking at the conference.
• To empower FFA Advisors with the tools, strategies, and inspiration necessary to cultivate a thriving FFA chapter and foster the personal and professional growth of their students.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Current FFA Advisors affiliated with Illinois FFA Chapters are eligible to apply.
• Applicants must demonstrate that they have not attended the IAVAT Conference in the past three years.
• Priority will be given to FFA Advisors who can demonstrate a clear plan for leveraging their attendance at the conference to enhance their professional practice and positively impact their FFA chapter and students.

Funding Details:

Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, with the amount of funding awarded based on the demonstrated need and proposed plans for conference participation of the applicant FFA Advisor.

Funding may be used to cover expenses such as conference registration fees, travel, accommodation, and any other related costs directly associated with attending the IAVAT Conference.

The total amount of funding available and the number of grants awarded will be determined based on the availability of funds and the number of eligible applications received.

Application Process:

Interested FFA Advisors must submit a complete grant application form by the specified deadline. Successful applicants will be notified of their grant award and provided with further instructions regarding fund disbursement and reporting requirements.

Timeline:

• Grant applications are due by 5:00 p.m. CST on Wednesday, May 1, 2024
• Recipients will be notified, and funds will be distributed by Wednesday, May 15th.
• Grant summaries are due by 5:00 p.m. CST on Thursday, August 15th.

Application Link: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsYsrdGYBHbhB6dgm-srVvsSszLnQdZzIfS_9Ohl3sDsLI9w/viewform

We believe that investing in the professional development of FFA Advisors is crucial to the continued success and growth of the FFA program. Through the IAVAT Conference Attendance Grant we aim to empower FFA Advisors with the resources and support they need to excel in their roles and make a meaningful impact on the lives of their students and the future of agriculture.