From early classroom exposure to national leadership opportunities, the Nebraska Corn Board invests in the future of agriculture by supporting a wide range of educational and leadership programs for young people
This guide outlines Nebraska youth ag development programs supported by the Board, which range from elementary classrooms to farmer leadership on Capitol Hill. Each program is unique, but together they help educate students, develop agricultural leadership skills and foster stronger connections between corn farmers and consumers.
View all NCB Supported Programs
Leadership & Educational Programs for Young Ag Professionals
The Nebraska Corn Board supports initiatives that prepare future leaders through real-world exposure and understanding of federal agricultural policy. These hands-on programs encourage young farmer leadership in Nebraska by giving participants practical experience, direct engagement with decision makers and a deeper understanding of how the corn industry shapes local and national conversations.
Corn Congress Leadership Program
Through the Nebraska Corn Board Corn Congress Leadership Program, the state’s emerging agricultural leaders get a firsthand look at how policy is shaped at the national level at the annual National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Corn Congress.
Participants attend policy sessions at the event in Washington, D.C., meet with lawmakers and connect with industry organizations. They also accompany staff and leaders from the Nebraska Corn Board on Capitol Hill during the trip. The annual experience builds confidence, agriculture industry knowledge and helps participants build professional networks with ag leadership in Washington, D.C. and around the country. The program covers the cost of airfare, lodging, registration, transportation and most meals.
Learn more about the program and access the application for Nebraska Corn Board Corn Congress here. For additional details about the Corn Congress Leadership Program, click here.
Learn More about the Corn Congress Leadership Program
Education Programs & Teacher Resources — Bringing Ag to Life in the Classroom
The Nebraska Corn Board supports several initiatives that bring agriculture into the classroom for Nebraska students of all ages. Serving preschoolers through post-secondary students, these programs connect learners and educators with agriculture through hands-on activities, helping students better understand agriculture’s role in their lives.
Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC)
Agriculture in the Classroom is a K-12 program that helps students understand how Nebraska agriculture supports food, fiber and fuel production. AITC Nebraska offers hands-on activities, classroom materials and free instructional resources aligned with state educational standards, strengthening K-12 agriculture education in Nebraska. It provides additional enrichment and connection with summer programs, agriculture reading hours and the Ag Pen Pal Program.
The program supports teachers with practical tools while engaging students through interactive learning. It is nationally recognized, backed by the National Agriculture in the Classroom organization and managed in Nebraska by the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation.
Ag Sack Lunch Program
The Nebraska Ag Sack Lunch Program serves fourth-grade students visiting the State Capitol each year. A key part of fourth-grade Nebraska-focused curriculum, it provides a meal featuring Nebraska-grown foods and a 25-minute interactive session led by college ambassadors. The program emphasizes agriculture’s impact on the state economy and ties directly to Nebraska history and civics standards.
Learn more about the Ag Sack Lunch Program
Kernels of Knowledge 4-H Curriculum
The Kernels of Knowledge 4-H Program combines agriculture education with hands-on, science-based learning. This key part of the 4-H corn curriculum in Nebraska is partially funded by the Nebraska Corn Board. It supports the Board’s overall educational goals of providing high-quality, enriching content to youth and promoting materials linking science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to food and agriculture.
Kernels of Knowledge also furthers the Board’s efforts to communicate to non-ag audiences while also providing valuable prep materials and professional development opportunities to the state’s 4-H clubs and organizations.
Promoting Agriculture Education, Fostering Connections with Corn Farmers
The Nebraska Corn Board is committed to developing the next generation of agricultural leaders through education, leadership opportunities and innovation. It is vital that today’s youth, whether they live in urban or rural communities, understand the role that corn and Nebraska farmers play in their everyday lives.
Programs supported by the Nebraska Corn Board also strengthen connections between the state’s corn farmers and non-rural residents, helping all Nebraskans better appreciate the work of corn farmers and the value they bring to the state.
Interested in these programs? Visit the Nebraska Corn Board to explore all of our programs and stay connected.
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