SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is leading a measure to further expand hands-on learning for FFA and 4-H students to count toward school hours.

“As a strong supporter of ag education, I advocated for FFA and 4-H program students who have been jeopardized for missing class to participate in competitions,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We need to remove the barriers students are facing when trying to participate in agriculture education experiences by giving students the opportunity to use a school day to pursue time in the field.”

Building on Turner’s 2023 law, House Bill 2802 would allow participation in supervised career development experiences and other approved work-based learning activities to count toward the daily calculation of school clock hours.

Illinois FFA is a youth organization that prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. 4-H is the largest out-of-school youth organization across the state aimed at teaching practical skills to youth by offering lessons in communications, leadership, career development, livestock, home improvement and computer technology.

“Encouraging students to participate in the agricultural industry is important in states like Illinois that thrive on the industry,” said Turner. “Let’s not deter them from participating in hands-on learning.”

House Bill 2802 passed the Senate Education Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.