A New Opportunity Made Possible by the Bill Gatton Foundation

Kentucky FFA is thrilled to announce a life-changing experience for our members — two state bus trips to the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC), made possible through the generous support of the Bill Gatton Foundation.

Beginning summer 2026, Kentucky FFA members can attend WLC at little to no cost, where they’ll grow as leaders, connect with members nationwide, and learn how to make a lasting impact in their communities.

Students & Teachers Apply Here. 

🗓 Trip Options

• Trip 1: June 22-27, 2026
  Teacher Coordinator: Dr. Jourdan Palmeri

• Trip 2: July 6–11, 2026
  Teacher Coordinator: Mr. Brian Welch

🚌 Travel Details

• Sunday Pick-Up Locations (tentative): Benton, Elizabethtown, and Mt. Sterling

• Monday: Depart from pickup locations, overnight lodging provided

• Tuesday Morning: Visit Mount Vernon before arriving in Washington, D.C.

• Tuesday–Friday: Participate in the Washington Leadership Conference

• Saturday: Return home by bus

🧑‍🏫 Supervision & Chaperones

Each bus trip will be led by an experienced FFA Advisor and at least two adult chaperones.
While attending WLC, National FFA staff provide full supervision for participants.

📝 Registration Information

Registration Deadline: Sunday, January 11, 2026
Notification of Selection: Around February 1, 2026
Deposit & Forms Due: March 1, 2026

After registering online, an email will be sent to the student’s chapter advisor for approval.
Selected students must submit:

• A $100 deposit (refunded upon attending)

• A signed Code of Conduct

• A Release & Waiver Form

💰 Cost to Attend

Thanks to the Bill Gatton Foundation, the Kentucky FFA Foundation will cover:

• Lodging

• Most meals

• WLC registration

• Transportation
   

Students only pay for a few meals and any personal expenses.

🏨 Lodging Details

• Sunday night lodging assigned by Kentucky FFA Foundation (4 students per double room)

• WLC lodging assigned by National FFA (same rooming arrangement)

🇺🇸 About the Washington Leadership Conference

The Washington Leadership Conference empowers FFA members to become effective leaders and community advocates through:

• Hands-on leadership sessions

• Visits with elected officials

• Tours of Washington, D.C. landmarks
   

➜ Learn more about WLC

🎒 What to Bring

A complete packing list will be provided to all selected students by May 1, 2026.

👩‍🏫 Advisor Participation

A limited number of FFA Advisors will be selected to attend each trip.

• Additional advisors may attend as space allows — transportation provided, but responsible for meals and WLC registration

• Single-occupancy rooms available at advisor’s expense
  Advisor registration deadline: January 11, 2026

⚖️ Eligibility & Expectations

• No set chapter limit — preference given to rising seniors, then rising juniors. Our goal is to get as many FFA chapters involved as possible.
   

• All students must:

  • Follow the National FFA Code of Conduct

  • Sign a communication waiver (for use of GroupMe or Remind)

  • Acknowledge parent/guardian responsibility for travel costs if sent home due to conduct violations

•  

Questions?

Visit our FAQ section or contact teacher coordinators for more information: 

jourdan.palmeri@marshall.kyschools.us

brian.welch@hopkins.kyschools.us

Together, we’re helping Kentucky FFA members grow as leaders, achievers, and advocates for agriculture.