career pathways

This report includes results from a group of FFA members surveyed in early 2024. It focuses on supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs) and members’ reported career plans. SAEs allow students to apply agricultural skills and knowledge taught in the classroom to real-world experiences. FFA members’ involvement with SAEs lays the foundation for future career success 68% (N=283) of surveyed members told us that they have an SAE. This aligns with nationwide labor trends: 37% of 16-19-year-olds are employed or seeking employment, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1 After-high-school plans and career ambitions vary for members with SAEs Of the 283 members who told us they have an SAE: 44% say they plan to pursue a career or college/vocational program in the same study area as their SAE. 2 in 3 say they plan to attend a four-year university, while 16% say they plan to attend a two-year college/technical program. 30% say the Animal Systems Career Pathway best describes their career ambitions. 11% say the Agribusiness Systems Career Pathway best describes their career ambitions. Goal setting: [...]

The Next Gen Conferences are a series of career-focused conferences centered around each of the eight Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) Career Pathways.1 The most beneficial experience I had at the [Next Gen] conference was the persistent [advice] to do what I love and to find my why. I needed to be pushed to reach my full potential. Next Gen participant (2022) The National FFA Organization grows the next generation of leaders who will change the world. These future leaders can make a tangible impact on the problems facing the world and agriculture. National FFA uses conferences, workshops and other experiences to cultivate premier leadership, personal growth, and career success in FFA members. The FFA Next Generation (Next Gen) Conference equips students with the knowledge and skills to interest and prepare them for future careers in agriculture. The first Next Gen conference was held in Kansas City, Mo., in Feb. 2020. FFA members were immersed in experiences related to animal systems careers. The COVID-19 global pandemic halted plans for the conference series in 2021, but [...]