Ag Mech set for first Boot Camp

By NCTA News

An agricultural mechanics “boot camp” for high school teachers will be the first of its kind in recent years as a three-day summer camp at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.

NCTA’s Ag Mechanics program will offer the mini camp on July 6, 7 and 8 in Curtis.

Instructors will receive guided, hands-on training in small engines, hydraulics, electricity and curriculum ideas for their Career Development Events for FFA programs and agricultural courses.

NCTA faculty will teach the courses, including discussion topics in some evening sessions, said Dan Stehlik, NCTA ag mechanics lecturer.

Doug Smith, Ph.D., is NCTA associate professor in animal science and agricultural education. The two-year program at NCTA provides experiential learning for students who wish to become agricultural educators and FFA advisors or lead youth programs in 4-H and Nebraska Extension.

Students transfer to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or other 4-year institutions to complete a bachelor's degree program.  Smith and Stehlik can discuss requirements for setting up a CDE contest and participating in the State FFA Contests in agricultural mechanics. 

Boot Camp registration includes housing at an NCTA residence hall with meals at Aggie Dining.

For more information, contact Stehlik at dstehlik2@unl.edu or call 1-800-3-CURTIS.

 Part of the University of Nebraska system, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is a two-year institution with a statewide mission of preparing students for successful careers in agriculture, veterinary technology and related industries. NCTA is known for its affordable tuition, high job-placement rate for its graduates, and for the success of student teams in competitive activities including crops judging, ranch horse events, livestock judging, shotgun sports, stock dog trials, and intercollegiate rodeo. The college is consistently ranked as one of the best two-year schools in the nation.