Imagine having the opportunity to travel from the rolling hills and mountains of east Kentucky to an unbelievable canvas full of a vast of different landscapes.  Scenery from lushes’ green pastures to the Rocky Mountains covered in snow.  Well this became a reality for 14 students in January 2024.   With the partnership with 4-H agent and FFA Advisor these students were a part of the first AG Immersion program in Morgan County.  FFA advisor provided the classroom, funds and students and 4-H agent provided leadership workshops, deep dives into career mapping and discovery.  Together over the course of 2 months, students were able to explore and compare not only the differences between the two states but also the similarities.  Students were able to study and gain a better understanding of how leadership works in all facets of life.  As time rolled around for the trip out west, our youth turned into an amazing team.  

As we arrived in the Mile High City, students were able to take in another scenery.  The youth were exposed to art and culture wrapped around an unimaginable landscape.  We were in Denver for 4 nights and 5 days.  During this time students had the opportunity to take in the National Western Stock show for two days.  This provided them with countless opportunities for networking, exposure to industry professionals and an inside look at the agriculture industry found in the west.  

Youth were also able to visit the Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs and Garden of the Gods.  This was the trip of a lifetime for these teens.  

The trip was a huge learning experience, and several students faced some fears.  Of the 14 only two of them had flown before and two of them had been out west before.   Students also were introduced to other leadership careers at the Rocky Mountain National Park Ranger stations and at the Airports.  We took every opportunity to engage the students to think about the possibilities. 

After returning from Denver, students delivered a presentation about the Ag Immersion Experience.  All 14 students said they gained knowledge about AG leadership and felt this experience would better prepare them to explore more in the future.

As of June 2024 the Vice principal has already stated for the FFA Advisor and 4-H agent to start planning another Ag Immersion for Spring 2025.