If you’re heading to college this fall, consider joining your school’s collegiate FFA chapter.
Open to FFA Alumni, supporters and agriculture enthusiasts, these chapters provide opportunities to make professional and personal connections, explore new interests, prepare for a future career and more.
“Our chapter has students from all walks of life with many different goals,” says Dr. Amy Marolt-Alred, advisor of the Northeast Mississippi Community College (NEMCC) FFA Alumni & Supporters Chapter, which was recognized as the Outstanding Collegiate FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapter in 2019 by the National FFA Organization. “Whether or not you were in FFA in high school or want to pursue a career in ag, you can get a lot out of joining a collegiate chapter.”
Here are five reasons to continue — or begin — your FFA journey at the collegiate level.
1. For community and connection.
Marolt-Alred says joining a collegiate FFA chapter allows many students to “find their place and footing in a new, unfamiliar environment.” She also notes that the tight-knit community formed comprises students who may never have met otherwise, especially on a large campus.
2. To give back.
Collegiate FFA chapters regularly have opportunities to help local FFA members prepare for events and to serve as judges during competitions. As volunteers, FFA alumni can stay plugged into the organization while also giving back and serving others. It’s a win-win.
3. To network and develop.
Students involved in a collegiate FFA chapter often have access to internships, job shadowing and other lucrative career development opportunities with agriculture companies in their area.
4. For educational advancement.
Many collegiate FFA chapters host events and lectures that feature agriculture industry leaders, giving students the opportunity to learn more about the ag sector and become more educated, informed consumers.
5. For personal growth.
Tres Jones, a NEMCC FFA Alumni & Supporters Chapter alumnus, says his involvement in FFA, both in high school and college, helped him improve his leadership skills, boost his confidence and become a more well-rounded individual.
“When you join a collegiate FFA chapter, you’re given the opportunity to connect with like-minded people and be part of a supportive community, and that will only benefit you,” says Jones, who graduated from NEMCC with an associate degree in hospitality management in 2023 and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the University of Mississippi. “Being part of the chapter at NEMCC was an incredibly valuable experience for me. I’d recommend it to anyone.”
To find a collegiate FFA chapter in your area, visit https://profile.ffa.org/Pages/Search/ChapterStateProfileSearch.aspx.
If you’d like more information on collegiate FFA chapters, email alumni@ffa.org.
