Partners in Active Learning Support (PALS)

PALS Logo

Pals is a mentoring program that matches high school agriculture students with elementary school students. Developed by the National FFA Organization, the program helps those involved to build trust in others and develop positive self-esteem, both of which are critically lacking in many of today's challenged young people.

Great things happen when PALS comes to town. The program brings parents and members of the community back into the school and into their children's education. Kids learn the importance of helping others and how good it feels to have a special friend. Their tender friendships blossom into poignant moments that can capture the attention of the whole community. The overwhelming sense of camaraderie is helping communities pull together and accomplish things they never thought possible.

Many agriculture teachers say it is the ideal FFA program because it doesn't take much in the way of financial resources. Instead, PALS makes the most of the human resources found in every community. By providing a solid framework, it creates synergy among the participants so that everyone involved is enriched in the process. And, it provides a way for students to fulfill the FFA motto:

PALS in the Classroom

Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.

Through PALS, FFA members are teaching and promoting agricultural literacy to students and teachers at the elementary level. This, in turn, is creating a climate of understanding and acceptance of FFA and agricultural education. In schools with PALS, administrators, counselors and teachers are looking at agricultural education and FFA as an important component of the educational curriculum. The program opens the door for a more diverse membership and helps form a strong community partnership.

Program News & Updates

Funding Opportunities 2009

Looking for grants to help your PALS program develop or expand health, public safety, community development, or positive youth development programming. Visit Channing Bete Company.

Are you wanting to start a PALS program with a focus on tutoring? Have you started a PALS tutoring program, but are looking for funds to expand the quality and impact of your program? Then apply today for a $1,000 grant. The deadline for applying is August 1, 2009. For more information contact the program manager at pals@ffa.org or 317-802-4413.

Is your PALS chapter located in an urban or metropolitan setting? Does it currently have a community garden component? If not, is there an interest in starting one? The following grant opportunity might be for you. Yeah, click here to check it out now!!

Million Hour Challenge

PALS is proud to support the National FFA Organization's Million Hour Challenge, a national civic engagement initiative created to inspire, motivate, and reward FFA chapters performing volunteerism within their communities. To log your chapter's PALS hours or to learn more about the initiative, go to Million Hour Challenge today!

Program Materials & Resources

Don’t miss the spring 2009 issue of “PAL to PAL,” our new electronic newsletter. Get news on all of the latest happenings, including information about how PALS, Campbell’s Soup Company and the LifeKnowledge® Center for Agricultural Education have combined visions to produce a new PALS resource, the Grow Your PALS Program Guide. You’ll also find out how FFA chapters around the country are matching their high school members with elementary school students, what peer program resources are available, and who else is partnering with PALS. Want to know more? It’s easy – just check out “PAL to PAL” now.

Additional Recommended Peer Programming Web Sites

PALS CD-ROM

A great resource to help chapters who would like to start PALS programs or chapters who have been involved with PALS for years make the most powerful impact on their community possible. This resource is designed to aid advisors and members in developing support and plans of action for their PALS program. Included are ready made power points, activities and documents that can be used to train mentors, tell supporters about the program or use in the mentoring process.

The CD-ROM contains the following information:

Order online from FFA Unlimited.

Program Sponsorship

PALS is sponsored by Campbell Soup Company as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

Program Contacts

pals@ffa.org or 317-802-4413

 

The National FFA Organization affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff.