Agricultural education is constantly evolving, driven by new technologies, workforce demands, and student interests. Through Special Initiatives & Innovation, the John de la Howe School Foundation supports forward-looking programs and student opportunities that extend beyond core academics and respond to the changing needs of South Carolina agriculture.

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This area of giving provides flexible philanthropic support for student clubs, leadership organizations, competitive teams, experiential learning, and emerging agricultural initiatives, ensuring students receive a well-rounded, future-focused education.

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Student Clubs, Organizations & Leadership Experiences

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Developing Leadership, Communication, and Life Skills

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Student clubs and organizations play a vital role in preparing students for leadership, service, and success beyond the classroom. These experiences complement hands-on agricultural education by fostering communication skills, teamwork, responsibility, and civic engagement.

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Support in this category strengthens participation in:

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Agricultural, Leadership & Career Organizations

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• FFA (Future Farmers of America) — agricultural leadership and supervised agricultural experience

• 4-H — youth development and service learning

• FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) — business, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills

• Student Council — student governance and representation

• National Beta Club — leadership, character, and academic achievement

• SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) — character development and healthy decision-making

• FCA (Fellowship of Christian Aggies) — faith-based leadership and service

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Creative, Media & Student-Led Initiatives

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• Yearbook / Journalism — storytelling, writing, and publication

• AggieMEDIA Team — video, audio, photography, and digital media production

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Because many student organizations operate outside traditional funding models, donor support helps ensure students can fully participate in meaningful leadership and enrichment opportunities.

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Support Student Clubs & Leadership →

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Specialized & Experiential Learning Opportunities

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Hands-On Programs That Build Skill, Discipline, and Confidence

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Specialized and experiential programs allow students to deepen their learning through applied practice, competition, and responsibility. These opportunities enhance agricultural education by connecting instruction to real-world experience.

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Support in this category may include:

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Interest-Based & Applied Learning Programs

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• Equine Club — horsemanship and animal systems engagement

• Club Apis (Pollinator Club) — beekeeping, pollination science, and environmental stewardship

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Competitive & Skill-Based Teams

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• Shotgun Team — firearm safety, discipline, and competition

• Archery Club — precision skills and responsible equipment use

• Field Trial Team — animal training, land use, and competition

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These programs help students apply learning in practical settings while developing confidence, focus, and accountability.

Invest in Experiential Student Learning →

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Emerging Programs, Facilities & Agricultural Innovation

Responding to New Opportunities in Agricultural Education

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Special Initiatives & Innovation also supports new and evolving programs that respond to the future of agriculture and agricultural education. These initiatives are often launched through a combination of philanthropy, grants, and strategic partnerships and require flexible support to grow and sustain their impact.

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Giving in this category may advance:

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• Expansion of apiculture and pollinator education, including grant-funded learning environments

• Development and enhancement of new instructional facilities, such as the on-campus veterinary clinic

• Pilot programs and partnerships that prepare students for emerging agricultural careers

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This category allows the school to act with agility, responding to opportunity rather than waiting for traditional funding cycles.

Advance Innovation in Agricultural Education →

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Why Your Support Matters

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The John de la Howe School is a state-funded public school, providing essential academic instruction. Philanthropic support through Special Initiatives & Innovation ensures students also benefit from leadership development, experiential learning, and forward-thinking agricultural programs.

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When you support Special Initiatives & Innovation, you are:

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• Expanding student experience and leadership opportunities

• Supporting hands-on, real-world agricultural learning

• Enabling innovation and program growth

• Investing in the future of South Carolina agriculture

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Your support provides the flexibility that keeps agricultural education relevant, responsive, and impactful.

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Support Special Initiatives & Innovation →