The Gold Standard: Surveying Recipients of FFA’s Highest Honors
The American FFA Degree The American FFA Degree is the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization. It shows an FFA member’s dedication to their chapter and state FFA association. It demonstrates the effort FFA members apply toward their supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs) and the outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement they exhibited through their FFA careers.1 Community service, leadership abilities and outstanding scholastic achievement are among the essential requirements to earn the American FFA Degree. Members must also have been active members of FFA for the past three years, completed many hours of agricultural education classwork and be currently operating an SAE. The American Star Award From among those members receiving the American FFA Degree each year, National FFA annually recognizes FFA members who rise to the top with the American Star Awards. These members have gone above and beyond in their attitude, involvement, community service and SAEs. Finalists for these awards have mastered skills in production, finance, management and/or research.2 The Research The purpose of the research, which began in the fall of [...]
How FFA Alumni and Supporters Talk About Their Own FFA Experience
FFA advisors and members across the country rely on FFA Alumni and Supporters to help support their chapters through the gifts of time, talent, and resources. How did FFA Alumni and Supporters’ experiences in FFA make them want to give back to the organization? The following findings are from a survey conducted in Spring 2023 through the Forever Blue Network. Alumni and Supporters attribute skills learned in FFA to their career success. Respondents identified the top five skills extremely influenced by their FFA experiences: Developing leadership skills, 63% Public speaking, 59% Building relationships, 53% Social skills, 49% Career preparation, 43% Did you know? 93% of surveyed FFA Alumni and Supporters report that FFA positively affected their career. 84% have worked in agriculture. Nearly 60% of those surveyed reported they are currently in a senior-level position or higher at work.1 What FFA Alumni and Supporters Say About FFA “FFA has been the sole powerhouse behind my lifelong commitment to personal and professional growth and has granted me a life full of happiness and love I would have [...]
