The Meeker FFA Chapter has been awarded two grants totaling $30,000 from the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, also known as Oklahoma CareerTech. Funded by the Oklahoma State Lottery, the grants will provide a boost to the school’s agricultural mechanics program.
Each grant amount is $15,000, and the funding will be used to purchase a new 5’ x 10’ PlasmaCam table, a plasma torch, a new air compressor, and essential technology to support the new equipment.
This is year three of building up the ag mechanics program. The addition of Mr. Justin Boone in 2024 has helped tremendously in the shop, and all of his students can attest to this. In the next two years, they plan to purchase a sandblaster, a powder coating system consisting of an applicator, booth, and oven.
“I am honored that our district was selected to receive the lottery grant and deeply appreciate the commitment to supporting agricultural education,” said Jeff Pruitt, Meeker superintendent. “The grant will significantly enhance our efforts in the agricultural power and technology lab. The grant will provide our students with a better opportunity to have equipment that aligns with industry standards and foster student engagement and improve learning outcomes. The investment in our school helps continue our mission to provide high quality and inclusive education. Our district is excited about the opportunities this funding will create and look forward to sharing our progress and success.”
As Meeker FFA continues to grow, students are enthusiastic about the future of agricultural education in the community.
Looking ahead, Meeker FFA intends to continue growing its ag mechanics program. Over time, the improvements are expected to generate up to $75,000 in value. Grants can only be applied to every other year. By year 2027 Meeker FFA will celebrate the success of the 5 year plan.