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.