Nearly 100 Kentucky FFA Members Attend Washington Leadership Conference Through The Bill Gatton Foundation Investment

Nearly 100 Kentucky FFA members recently returned from the Kentucky FFA Foundation’s inaugural bus trip to the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC), where they joined FFA members from across the country for a week of leadership development, personal growth, and service in the nation’s capital.

Made possible through a historic investment from The Bill Gatton Foundation, the trip provided students from across Kentucky with the opportunity to attend National FFA’s premier leadership conference at little to no cost. The bus traveled across the state, making stops in western, central, and eastern Kentucky to bring members together for the life-changing experience.

Throughout the conference, students participated in interactive workshops focused on servant leadership, community service, goal setting, and civic engagement while exploring many of the nation’s most significant historical landmarks and memorials.

“I hope to become a more effective leader through this week at WLC,” said Jackson Kidd of Elliott County FFA on his way to D.C.

Kaydyn Snyder of McCreary Central FFA looked forward to bringing the experience back home. “The thing I really want to get out of this trip is just to make really good connections and hopefully bring back some good ideas for our chapter,” Snyder said.

The Kentucky FFA Foundation announced in 2025 that The Bill Gatton Foundation’s generous investment would provide annual funding for 100 Kentucky FFA members to attend the Washington Leadership Conference, creating opportunities for students across the Commonwealth for years to come.

“The Washington Leadership Conference is a life-changing experience for FFA members, but the barriers to participation have historically been high,” said Sheldon McKinney, executive director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation. “Mr. Gatton’s generosity has opened the door for Kentucky FFA members for generations to come. Experiences like WLC help students discover their leadership potential and return home inspired to be bridge builders and leaders in their schools, communities, and future careers.”

As students returned home, they brought with them more than memories of Washington, D.C. They returned with new friendships, renewed confidence, and the leadership skills needed to create positive change in their chapters, schools, and communities.