FFA members prepare for a fun-filled day of learning about their desired CDE. Photo by North Arkansas College.
Career Development Events (CDEs) help FFA members engage in career exploration throughout their middle and high school years. In Arkansas, CDEs take place during the spring semester of the school year. Following the deep roots of agriculture, CDEs help members develop skills needed in a competitive job market and explore different sectors across the state.
Arkansas FFA has 19 CDEs from which FFA members can choose. From floriculture to electricity, members can participate individually or on a team with others from their home chapter.
Throughout the spring, several practice competitions are hosted by different chapters across the state, ultimately preparing members for state competitions. The state award-winning teams are recognized in late April at the Arkansas FFA State Convention and Expo.
Although many enjoy CDEs, they are hard to grasp at first glance. However, in recent years, agriculture educators and FFA advisors across north Arkansas have made it their mission to help by hosting an annual event to guide members in the right direction.
This year, a mock competition was held on Feb. 14. Multiple advisors from across north Arkansas collaborated to train multiple teams, and each advisor selected a CDE to focus on. This annual event was held at North Arkansas College, courtesy of the North Arkansas Collegiate Agricultural Club.
By engaging with members from different chapters, advisors answered questions and shared their credible knowledge. In the past several years, this event has led to many state champions and nationally recognized teams.
