On July 28, the state of South Dakota honored the Learners to Leaders Program in Sioux Falls for its efforts in helping area high school students advance their education beyond high school. The Sioux Falls Learners to Leaders Program is a community educational partnership formed by Smithfield Foods, Inc., its independent operating company John Morrell & Co., the Sioux Falls School District (SFSD) and the Southeast Technical Institute (STI).
 
The South Dakota Office of Career and Technical Education (OCTE), a division of the state's Department of Education, presented its State Director's Award to Learners to Leaders to recognize the program's success in increasing achievement and involvement among Sioux Falls high school students seeking post-secondary education. The State Director's Award, which was presented to Learners to Leaders representatives during OCTE's annual conference in Pierre, evaluates a program's ability to increase student achievement and involvement, how it addresses the needs of nontraditional students and how it meets the needs of special student populations.

"We're very proud of our partners at SFSD and STI, who worked so hard to help us create the first Learners to Leaders program in the country and set an example for others to follow," said C. Larry Pope, president and chief executive officer at Smithfield Foods. "And we're very happy for the students, who have clearly demonstrated their eagerness and determination to fulfill their potential through a post-secondary education."

Pope pointed out, "The goal of our Learners to Leaders program is to help reinforce what we believe is the most critical part of any community's foundation -- the education of its residents -- and we're delighted to see that happening in Sioux Falls."

Smithfield Foods is funding the first year of STI's Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program in business administration for the students selected by SFSD for the program. Students attend four Sioux Falls high schools: Lincoln, Washington, Roosevelt and Joe Foss. They began the program during their junior year and enrolled in STI classes at their high schools which count toward their high school diplomas and their AAS degrees. Upon graduation, the students will continue toward their AAS degrees at the STI campus. Twenty-four additional students have been selected for the program during the 2008-09 school year.

"This award reinforces what students are telling us -- that Learners to Leaders works," said Dr. Pam Homan, SFSD superintendent. "The program includes students who didn't think they would be going on to college, but after experiencing what Learners to Leaders has to offer they are energized and determined to continue their education," Homan said. "Learners to Leaders has given them the opportunity they needed."

Ken Baptist, vice president and general manager of the John Morrell facility in Sioux Falls, said, "Our company has been a part of Sioux Falls for a long time, and our employees are excited to be involved in an effort that will help secure the economic vitality of our community's future. We're proud that our company and our Sioux Falls partners are helping young people build a solid foundation for their future success. And, in turn, their success will only make our community a better place-a better place to live, raise a family, work and do business."

In June, Smithfield Foods, Inc., The Smithfield Packing Company, Robeson Community College and the Public Schools of Robeson County joined forces to help prepare economically disadvantaged Lumberton-area high school students for college. Learners to Leaders will fund a student development program for ninth through 12th graders at Lumberton area high schools starting with the 2008-09 academic year.

C. Larry Pope, president and chief executive officer of Smithfield Foods, summarized the company's philosophy regarding the Learners to Leaders program in Lumberton.  "We have always been firm believers in giving back to our communities. We can think of no better way of bringing this commitment to life than helping Lumberton students benefit from opportunities to both develop their leadership skills and improve academically," Pope said.

The Learners to Leaders program in Lumberton is open to economically disadvantaged students and potential first-generation college students who will receive academic and social support. Students who complete the program and subsequently enroll at Robeson Community College will receive a $1,000 scholarship for tuition and expenses and up to $500 for books.

"The Smithfield Foods Learners to Leaders alliance is an invaluable tool to help Robeson County students fulfill their potential by properly preparing them for the rigors of higher education," said Ericka Jones, foundation director for Robeson Community College. "We're delighted that Smithfield Foods and Smithfield Packing are joining us in this worthwhile partnership."

As part of the Lumberton Learners to Leaders program, students also will:

1. Receive laptop computers and Internet access to complete school assignments and do research for special projects.
2. Work with a "virtual mentor." These will include local business professionals who provide the benefit of regular contact.
3. Experience the real world of business and industry by taking guided field trips to nearby businesses.
4. Attend quarterly leadership seminars covering topics such as small business, industry, government service, higher education, time management skills, good study habits and public speaking.

"We're excited about bringing this unique program to Lumberton because Smithfield Packing is always looking for ways to help local students get the extra boost they need to advance their educational pursuits beyond high school," said Tim Schellpeper, president of Smithfield Packing. "In a few years the community will greatly benefit from their leadership skills."

With eight programs in place since launching in 2006, Learners to Leaders is a national educational alliance that strengthens communities by providing individuals with learning opportunities that inspire them to become tomorrow's leaders. The alliance's goal is to help reinforce what organizers believe is the most critical part of any community's foundation, the education of its residents. Learners to Leaders is funded by the Smithfield-Luter Foundation and is made up of Smithfield Foods, its local operating companies and local educational partners.

"Learners to Leaders and Robeson make a great team because we're committed to giving these young people the opportunities they need to open doors that will lead to a bright future," said Dennis Treacy, vice president of environmental and corporate affairs at Smithfield Foods. "Smithfield Foods believes that education is the cornerstone to success in any endeavor and ultimately helps build a thriving community."

Similar programs are now underway in Hampton Roads, Va., Sioux Falls SD, Denison and Northwest Iowa, Green Bay, Wis., and Milan and St. Joseph, Mo.