INDIANAPOLIS – Thousands of FFA members from throughout the country are converging on Washington, D.C., this summer to analyze their personal skills and interests, develop leadership skills and create a meaningful community service plan that will make a difference in their home communities.

More than 2,100 students are registered for the 2016 Washington Leadership Conference, the second-largest student experience that the National FFA Organization hosts each year. Created in 1969 and held annually in Washington, D.C., this year’s conference began June 7 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.

Since 1969, the National FFA Organization has hosted this student leadership event. From June 7 to July 30, members will spend a week under the guidance of professionals, counselors and FFA staff members. In workshops, seminars and small groups, students will focus on identifying and developing their personal strengths and goals while undergoing comprehensive leadership training that will help them guide their local FFA chapters.

Students will also analyze the needs of their communities back home, develop a wide-ranging and high-impact community-service initiative and implement their plan with the help of their FFA chapter upon return home. Students in recent years have promoted agricultural literacy; brought awareness to abuse; collected and distributed shoes to individuals in Haiti; created an awareness plan on hunger, and more.

During their time in D.C., FFA members will also experience the history of the nation’s capital, touring landmarks including the Washington Monument, War Memorial, the National Mall, Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Capitol, among others. Students will also have an opportunity for congressional visits during the week.

The 2016 Washington Leadership Conference is sponsored through the National FFA Foundation by title sponsors Monsanto and CSX and weekly sponsors, Farm Credit, Growth Energy and Express Professional Employment. For more information visit www.FFA.org/WLC.

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 629,367 student members who belong to one of 7,757 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.