A Green Thumb and a Blueprint for Their Future 

A Spotlight on the FFA Program at Friendship Tech Prep Academy of Urban Ecology

“Your green thumb. If you can walk away with anything from FFA, I want the students to know that there is knowledge in different opportunities. Your green thumb does not necessarily mean putting plants in the ground. Your green thumb can be you creating a drone. Your green thumb can be you creating in general. Your green thumb could be you collaborating with a different organization or launching your own organization,” said Philisha Adkins-Lewis, environmental science teacher at Friendship Tech Prep Academy of Urban Ecology. 

Mrs. Adkins-Lewis is the driver for starting an FFA chapter in her district at Friendship Public Charter Schools in Washington, DC. As a proud alumna of Friendship Collegiate Academy, the sister high school to Friendship Tech Prep, she has come full circle, now guiding students through the opportunities available through the FFA (Future Farmers of America) program. 

 “I graduated from Friendship Collegiate Academy in 2012. And then I went to Virginia State University, where I majored in agriculture with a concentration in pre-veterinary animal science.” 

Philisha first started studying agriculture in middle school when she was involved in FFA, but unfortunately, the program faded out. Her principal encouraged her to consider other avenues to further her education in agriculture, leading her to attend the FFA Advisor Conference in Indiana. “I connected with incredible advisors from across the country,” she expressed. “I gained valuable insights and strategies that have helped me become part of the effort to establish a successful FFA chapter.” 

FFA is a youth organization that prepares students for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture. “The organization’s mission is to develop students’ potential and premier leadership growth, personal growth, and career success, through hands-on learning and real-world agricultural experience,” Philisha explained. 

At Friendship Technology Preparatory, Philisha is deeply involved in fostering agricultural education. “Normally, when students hear ‘farmer,’ they think about cows and chickens. But at the Academy of Urban Ecology, we learn about a wide variety of career opportunities in agriculture.” 

Hands-On Learning and Leadership 

Core to the NAF mission, the Academy of Urban Ecology exposes students to a wide variety of career opportunities within the agriculture industry. Philisha’s students participate in laboratory instruction, workshops, community service, and facilitating mock competitions. “We just had our very first mock competition where students spoke about a topic in agriculture that they wanted to explore,” she says. “Throughout FFA, students have gained valuable insight into agriculture beyond traditional farming, preparing them for fulfilling careers and opportunities.” 

The program’s involvement extends to community engagement, including assisting Southeast Elementary School with growing kits and working with their cooking club. “We are teaching students how to grow because we have a full-running agricultural program,” she says. “This summer, we will be working heavily on getting our full farm back together.” 

One of the highlights of the program was the first-ever FFA Week celebration. “We had a country-style breakfast, a trail riding day, and an information session on FFA and agricultural skills,” Philisha recalls. “We also had professionals come in, including a veterinarian who walked students through a mini procedure.” 

Students have responded enthusiastically. “They are super excited to learn about the different opportunities available through the program,” she shared. “Their enthusiasm shows how engaging and immersive FFA is in exploring different career paths in agriculture.” 

Preparing for the Future 

FFA is not just about farming; it is about integrating agriculture with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). “FFA encourages cross-curriculum learning, allowing students to apply STEM to real-world agricultural challenges,” Philisha said. “It connects students to industries, preparing them for robust career paths.” 

Her goal is to ensure that students leave the program with valuable skills. “I want them to learn collaboration, accountability, time management, and leadership,” she states. “If students walk away with anything, I want them to understand that there is knowledge in different opportunities.” 

Philisha’s dedication to FFA and agricultural education has created an enriching environment for students at Friendship Tech Prep. “We are on the road right now. We are in it to win it,” she declares. “Our jackets are coming, our recognition is growing, and we are excited about what’s ahead.”