On Feb. 19, the National FFA Foundation celebrates Give FFA Day to encourage everyone to support the needs of agricultural education students throughout the year. While there are numerous reasons you should make a donation and help spread the word, here are seven ways your support will have an immediate impact.
1. 25% of the agriculture workforce is over 55 years of age.
Nearly a quarter of the agriculture workforce is expected to retire in the next five years, yet very few job seekers are entering the field. Donations to the National FFA Foundation support the education of students starting as early as 12 years old to learn about opportunities available in the agricultural industry.
2. 81% of agricultural jobs require more than a high school degree.
Agricultural education covers topics from agronomy to veterinary medicine. With four out of five careers in agriculture requiring some form of postsecondary education, supporters of the National FFA Organization can contribute to scholarship opportunities and collegiate FFA programs in every state and territory for students pursuing careers in agriculture.
3. Less than 3% of college students pursue a career in agriculture.
This fall, 19 million students were projected to enroll in U.S. colleges and universities. However, fewer than 500,000 of those students are expected to pursue a career in agriculture. Help students develop a passion for these careers early by supporting grants for developing robust supervised agricultural experiences.
4. 669,989 FFA members learn the importance of agriculture.
Of those members, 212,829 students are impacted at the local level through participation in the National Chapter Award program, 25,473 members attend a national leadership conference, and 35,494 students compete in state leadership development events. That’s a lot of ways to positively impact the future of agriculture.
5. For every $1 in service project grants, the community sees an ROI of $1,234.
Community development is a key pillar in an FFA chapter’s program of activities. In 2017, FFA members volunteered 595,032 hours for a total economic impact of $14,364,072. Support your community by supporting your local chapter and state FFA associations. Online donations can be directed to a specific program or state.
6. Proficiency areas and leadership development events prepare FFA members for more than 255 unique ag careers.
The world will need to feed more than 10 billion people over the next 31 harvest seasons. That will require plenty of passionate and talented leaders in a variety of careers around the globe. Give those leaders a leg up in their careers by supporting the FFA Leadership Fund.
7. Nearly 100% of alumni and supporters credit their leadership skills to FFA.
More than 400,000 alumni and supporters can share their favorite memories in the blue corduroy jacket. Nearly all of those achieved premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Give back through the Give the Gift of Blue program for future FFA alumni members.
Learn more and make your donation today at FFA.org/Give-FFA-Day.
