Tarleton hosts 54th annual Texas Farm Bureau Youth Leadership Conference

STEPHENVILLE (May 30, 2017) — More than 400 high school juniors and seniors from some 140 counties will visit Tarleton State University June 12-16 for the annual Texas Farm Bureau-sponsored Youth Leadership Conference.

More than 13,000 students have attended the conference—celebrating its 54th year—since 1963. The marks the fifth straight year that Tarleton has hosted the event.

“Tarleton is proud of its historic ties to Texas agriculture and equally proud of ongoing partnerships with Texas Farm Bureau, a preeminent voice for agricultural interests in the state,” said Tarleton President. F. Dominic Dottavio. “We’re honored to be part of this 54th Texas Farm Bureau Youth Leadership Conference.”

According to Texas Farm Bureau, the conference helps students better understand their American heritage, the free-enterprise system and their responsibilities as U.S. citizens. Conference leaders—authorities in government, history and economics—inspire leadership and academic and personal goal setting.

Dr. Steve Damron, dean of Tarleton’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening will welcome students to the Stephenville campus.

“The Youth Leadership Conference is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to enhance leadership skills, gain self-confidence and really grow as individuals,” Boening said.

Texas county Farm Bureaus, with the help of local service clubs, provide student participants with transportation, lodging, meals and a small tuition fee for the three-day event.

In concert with the conference, students can compete for scholarships via the Free Enterprise Speech Contest. Last year, more than $100,000 in scholarships were awarded.

“Youth Leadership Conference isn’t just a summer camp. It’s a fun, engaging experience that allows extraordinary youth to grow, network and become the leaders of tomorrow,” Boening said.