Program Insights Briefs

Program Overview: Description and Objectives The National Teacher Ambassadors for FFA are a group of agriculture educators currently in the classroom. They are trained to answer questions and provide training related to the various educational resources and experiences the National FFA Organization offers. A group of qualified teachers is selected each Spring to serve in the program from June to June. Additionally, to continue professional development, the program has grown to include mentor National Teacher Ambassadors for FFA. Through this added layer, support and professional development can be amplified to meet the needs of the program. Four Primary Objectives Guide the Program Answer questions from agriculture educators and provide them with training and regular communications related to the various educational resources and experiences National FFA offers. Provide relevant feedback from the educational field to National FFA. Serve as an advocate of the organization to teachers within home states and others across the country. Advance teacher ambassadors’ and other teachers’ professional growth. Teacher Ambassadors Benefit From Professional Growth Opportunities All ambassadors attend an in-person training to learn [...]

Program Description Serving as a National Teacher Ambassador is one of the best parts of my job. I love sharing resources with teachers to help ease the burden of implementing new content in our classrooms. I also love the connections I’ve been able to make with teachers in my state, as well as across the country. Emma Huber, Wisconsin, National Teacher Ambassador for FFA The National Teacher Ambassadors for FFA (teacher ambassadors) is a group of agriculture educators currently in the classroom. They are trained to answer questions and provide training related to the various educational resources and experiences the National FFA Organization offers. A group of qualified teachers is selected each spring and serve in the program from June to June. Four Primary Objectives Guide the Program Answer questions from agriculture educators and provide them with training and regular communications related to the various educational resources and experiences National FFA offers. Provide relevant feedback from the educational field to National FFA. Serve as an advocate of the organization to teachers within home states and others [...]

Program Description Serving as a National Teacher Ambassador is one of the best parts of my job. I love sharing resources with teachers to help ease the burden of implementing new content in our classrooms. I also love the connections I’ve been able to make with teachers in my state, as well as across the country. Emma Huber, Wisconsin, National Teacher Ambassador for FFA The National Teacher Ambassadors for FFA (teacher ambassadors) is a group of agriculture educators currently in the classroom. They are trained to answer questions and provide training related to the various educational resources and experiences the National FFA Organization offers. A group of qualified teachers is selected each spring and serve in the program from June to June. Four Primary Objectives Guide the Program Answer questions from agriculture educators and provide them with training and regular communications related to the various educational resources and experiences National FFA offers. Provide relevant feedback from the educational field to National FFA. Serve as an advocate of the organization to teachers within home states and others [...]

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 [...]

Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) inspires FFA members to become changemakers in their communities. Each day of the conference focuses on a different principle taught through the context of our nation’s capital: Explore, Encourage, Advocate and Serve. At the end of the week, members leave with a Living to Serve Plan they can implement in their communities. After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 2,000 FFA members from across the country attended WLC for one week in June or July of 2022. Attendees represented 587 different chapters across 45 states. At the end of seven weeks, 1,157 responses were recorded on a post-conference survey (67% survey completion rate). This document provides a high-level overview through the eyes of these FFA members who completed their survey and can be used to understand the life-changing experience that is WLC. For more information, email evaluation@FFA.org. After a two-year hiatus, the 2022 WLC nearly reached the outcomes of the 2019 conference. Attendance Comparison Metric 2019 2022 Registered Attendees 2,155 1,961 Living to Serve (Community Service) Plans 1,442 1,109 [...]

The FFA motto gives members 12 short words to live by as they experience the organization’s opportunities. Three of these words sum up the desire to help provide for one’s community: Living to Serve. Volunteerism in FFA In a 2021 survey of 10th and 11th graders in FFA, 74% of respondents who identified as FFA members said they volunteered1 in their schools or communities. A 2024 study of FFA members found that besides athletics, the activity that FFA members participate in the most is volunteering.2 Research shows that participation in structured activities and civic engagement, such as volunteering, leads to greater school engagement, which can inspire positive outcomes such as better grades, lower levels of depression, higher self-esteem, and decreased likeliness to be involved in risky behaviors. Structured activities and civic participation allow for positive interactions between youth and their peers and trusted adults, another beneficial outcome.3 Spotlighting Service in National FFA Programming National FFA encourages students to immerse themselves in service activities through structured programming at the national and local levels. National FFA Week (Spring [...]

Life membership is a one-time investment in the future of National FFA. It ensures FFA will be there to provide leadership training and experiential learning opportunities to generations of agriculturists. You’ll help us empower FFA members to exert an influence in their homes and communities. Benefits of Life Membership Life members receive a membership card, a membership certificate, a lifetime subscription to FFA New Horizons magazine, the ability to attend personal and professional development conferences and conventions, and additional member benefits. The true impact of a life membership to the lives of FFA members is through leadership scholarships. Nationwide Membership Supports Nationwide FFA Members In 2020, lifetime memberships allowed 42 alumni chapters and state associations to receive leadership scholarships to help current FFA members. Some states received up to $5,800 in leadership scholarships. Don’t see your state highlighted in green? Contact alumni@FFA.org. Life Membership Continues to Impact FFA Members—Year After Year The one-time cost to become a life member creates long-lasting impact for current FFA members, and here’s how: Life members contribute to an investment account [...]

Supporting state FFA officers While each state FFA officer’s journey is different, the National FFA Organization supports states and their officers through a blended learning model that includes face-to-face training experiences, digital and print resources, and online education—all of this to guide in the development of world-ready leaders. Who are they? The 2020-21 state FFA officers Three hundred and seventy-one state officers served the 2020-21 term. During their terms, 64% of these officers were in college, while 15% were high school seniors, 11% were business owners, 9% were taking a leave of absence from school to serve as state officers, and 2% were high school juniors or younger.1 Setting a strong foundation for an effectual year of service Officers from 47 states and Puerto Rico completed 119 trainings with National FFA and within their states; these trainings were Base Camp and Checkpoints. Focus areas of Base Camp and Checkpoints included sound character, positive influence, professionalism, time management, conversation skills, public speaking, effective communication, team dynamics and workshop facilitation. We asked attendees five questions related to each [...]

What Is FFA? FFA is an intracurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. FFA develops members’ potential and helps them discover their talent through hands-on experiences, which give members the tools to achieve real-world success. The letters “FFA” stand for Future Farmers of America. These letters are a part of our history and heritage that will never change. Today, FFA members are future farmers, chemists, veterinarians, government officials, entrepreneurs, bankers, international business leaders, teachers and premier professionals in many career fields. What Is National FFA Week? Each year, FFA chapters around the country celebrate National FFA Week. It’s a time to share what FFA is and its impact on members. The week features designated days celebrating agriculture and FFA, including National Days of Service, Ag Teacher Appreciation Day and National Wear Blue Day. The first National FFA Week took place in 1948 when the National FFA Board of Directors designated a weeklong celebration from Saturday to Sunday. The week always encompasses George Washington’s birthday (Feb. 22) in recognition of his legacy as an [...]

Program Overview: Description and Objectives SAE for All was created to provide every student in agricultural education programs with access to invaluable work-based learning opportunities. This innovative delivery method ensures that no student is left behind in gaining practical, hands-on experience. Students can choose between two distinctive types of Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) tailored to their interests and career goals: Foundational SAEs, which build essential skills and knowledge, and Immersion SAEs, which dive deeper into specialized, real-world agricultural experiences. The SAE for All certifications have truly empowered our teachers by giving them the tools, confidence and credibility to support every student in developing meaningful Supervised Agricultural Experiences. With this certification, our educators feel equipped to guide students not only through their SAE journey but also in preparing them for successful careers in agriculture and beyond. Bethany Matos, State FFA Executive Secretary, Arizona FFA Five Primary Objectives Guide the Program Provide training to state FFA staff, teacher educators and secondary agriculture educators on SAE for All to increase its implementation across the country. Certify state FFA staff, [...]

What is FFA? FFA is an intracurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. FFA develops members’ potential and helps them discover their talent through hands-on experiences, which give members the tools to achieve real-world success. The letters “FFA” stand for Future Farmers of America. These letters are a part of our history and heritage that will never change. But FFA is not just for students who want to be production farmers; FFA also welcomes members who aspire to careers as teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners and more. What is National FFA Week? Each year, FFA chapters around the country celebrate National FFA Week. It’s a time to share what FFA is and its impact on members daily. The week is characterized by designated days celebrating agriculture and FFA, including National Days of Service, Ag Teacher Appreciation Day, and National Wear Blue Day. The first National FFA Week took place in 1948 when the National FFA Board of Directors designated a week-long celebration from Saturday to Sunday. The week always encompasses George Washington’s birthday [...]