Presentation about the NYSTA Young Turfer Ambassador Program
New presentation for 2020 the next phase of the program! Click here to view!
Growing the Green Industry -
NYSTA Ambassador Program
In 2017-18, the New York State Turfgrass Association embarked on a strategic planning process. One key objective is career awareness and outreach at the K-12 schools in New York State. We have partnered with the New York State FFA (Future Farmers of America) regional school FFA chapters. FFA is experiencing tremendous growth within the state and the nation. We have also partnered with agriculture educators and counselors at each school district.
In January 2019, the NYSTA Board of Directors met with the President and the Director of the New York FFA, and the Ag Education Specialist of the New York Association of Agricultural Educators. One of the outcomes of that meeting was:
Develop a regional collaborative resource contact list. The list will include names/contact info of all K-12 Ag. Educators, FFA advisors at each school, and a list which includes names/contact info of turf/landscape management professional within that region. The goal is to match teachers/advisors with industry professionals as a resource for possible guest speakers, participate in career fairs, coordinate field trips to various facilities, and develop Co-op/internship opportunities where/when appropriate with various school districts.
Many NYSTA members have volunteered to be a Green Industry Ambassador. Each Ambassador's responsibility, if contacted by an Ag. Educator or FFA Advisor, may include:
- Guest speaker as it relates to career opportunities within the Green Industry at career days or various classes
- Host a field trip to your facility or place of business
- Consider developing a Co-op/internship program at your facility or place of business.
We received a list of Ag. Educators and FFA Advisors by school district and region. An informational brochure has been developed (click here) and is being shared with everyone on the list. Ambassadors have been matched within these regions.
We feel strongly that this approach will expand awareness to young individuals about the tremendous opportunities available to them and at the same time begin to satisfy the employment shortage we are experiencing. It is our way of "paying it forward".
If you are willing to become an Ambassador, please complete this form or print out and return the this volunteer form, or contact Sue VanAmburgh in the NYSTA office at sue@nysta.mobi. Once we confirm your status, NYSTA will provide you with the necessary information/educational tools needed at outreach presentations.
Growing the industry one person at a time!
Sincerely,
NYSTA Board Member
Career Fact Sheets -
Reviewing Careers in the Green Industry
Sign-up to be an Ambassador!
List of New York State Colleges Offering Green Industry Majors
CORNELL UNIVERSITY
www.cornell.edu
FINGER LAKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE
www.flcc.edu
NIAGARA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
www.niagaracc.suny.edu
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK – COBLESKILL
www.cobleskill.edu
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK – DELHI
www.delhi.edu
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK – FARMINGDALE
www.farmingdale.edu
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK – MORRISVILLE
www.morrisville.edu