With spring graduation around the corner, your time wearing the blue jacket may be coming to a close. If you’re a soon-to-be FFA alum looking to stay connected to our organization, consider joining the Forever Blue Network.
This online database is the perfect place to expand your personal and professional network by browsing mentorship resources, job postings, upcoming events and more. You can also scroll through the news feed to receive timely updates and conversations.
“The Forever Blue Network is a great networking tool for students, alumni and supporters to connect and expand their careers or potential careers,” says Allie Ellis, associate director of National FFA Alumni and Supporters. “We want them all to be able to connect with each other.”
There are more than 722,300 FFA Alumni and Supporters on record in 2,131 chapters across the country. After graduating high school, FFA members automatically receive a free five-year alumni membership. Alumni are encouraged to join the more than 5,387 registered users of the Forever Blue Network to fully benefit from all FFA offers after high school.
Below are five features you can access as a Forever Blue Network member.
1. Find jobs and internships.
The Forever Blue Network’s job and internship board has a direct feed with AgCareers.com. Users can also post jobs such as an agriculture teacher position or an opening with national FFA. To date, there have been more than 10,000 jobs posted in the Forever Blue Network.
2. Join a group.
There are groups for every state as well as affinity groups for specific alumni, such as past state officers or those who participated in the New Century Farmer conference. Joining a group is a great way to connect with FFA alumni you have something in common with and expand your professional network. It also allows you to reconnect with old friends.
3. Discover upcoming events.
Interested in attending a regional or remote development event conference, or attending an FFA gala? The Upcoming Events page on the Forever Blue Network is full of opportunities to make in-person connections, and users can also post events they plan to host.
4. Search the directory.
Find people using the Forever Blue Network’s online directory. It’s like Facebook or LinkedIn but specifically designed for FFA and the global agriculture community.
“We’ve encouraged ag teachers to use it because they can narrow down industry experts to find guest speakers from a specific area,” Ellis says. “There is even the capability to meet online through the platform and host online guest speakers.”
5. Locate a mentor.
In a survey of registered alumni on the Forever Blue Network, 70% of users said they’re willing to give back to FFA by judging contests, hosting internships, volunteering or acting as a mentor for students. You can search for a mentor on the network by company, industry or job function. Adults have the option to meet up in person, and students can meet with a mentor virtually.
Become Forever Blue
Ready to join? Create your account and begin taking advantage of all the Forever Blue Network has to offer.
