News Release

For more information:

Sheldon McKinney
Executive Director
Kentucky FFA Foundation, Inc.

(606) 782-4620
sheldon.mckinney@kyffa.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2025

First Southern National Bank Gives $100,000 to Support Kentucky FFA Members

Gift will fund financial literacy education and grants for student-led agricultural enterprises

The Kentucky FFA Foundation has announced a $100,000 commitment from First Southern National Bank to equip Kentucky FFA members with financial literacy skills and funding to launch or grow their own agriculture-based businesses. 

The bulk of First Southern’s support will come in the form of grants for FFA members to start or expand their entrepreneurial Supervised Agricultural Experiences, or SAE’s. These are agriculture-based projects started by FFA members and supervised by their agriculture teachers. Kentucky FFA members have a wide range of SAE’s – from traditional livestock or crop operations to food-based businesses, technical services, and many other niches.

There will be two levels of grants – SAE Launch Grants, for which students can apply with a business plan, a budget and projections, or SAE Mini-Grants, for students who complete First Southern’s Give, Save, Spend financial literacy curriculum.

First Southern’s support will also provide financial literacy education for Kentucky agriculture teachers. Students rely on the guidance of their agriculture teachers as they launch their SAE projects, so strong financial knowledge will help teachers advise students in making smart, sustainable business decisions. In addition, First Southern was a premier sponsor of Kentucky FFA State Convention and the Kentucky FFA Blue & Gold Gala. 

“At First Southern National Bank, we’re committed to investing in individuals and communities who are shaping a brighter future,” said Arnie Akers, regional president at First Southern National Bank. “By supporting those who champion education, leadership, and financial literacy, we empower the next generation to make thoughtful decisions —laying the foundation for lives that flourish in every aspect.”

This gift makes First Southern National Bank the largest corporate sponsor of the Kentucky FFA Foundation. Grants will be awarded to FFA members in the counties with a First Southern branch, launching agricultural entrepreneurs in the communities served by the bank.

“The FFA reflects values we live every day—generosity, relationships, excellence, accountability, and teamwork. Our support is about walking alongside young leaders as they grow into stewards of their communities and futures,” said Akers.

The Kentucky FFA Foundation cultivates partnerships which support the FFA vision to grow leaders, build communities, and strengthen agriculture. Its initiatives impact 23,551 FFA members in 212 FFA chapters across Kentucky. For more information, visit www.kyffa.org.