FFA degrees are important benchmarks in a member’s education and FFA journey. Whether you’ve been in FFA for a while or you’re a new member, now is the perfect time to start working toward earning the FFA degrees on your way toward the coveted American FFA Degree – the gold standard of FFA achievements.
“Meeting the requirements to earn FFA degrees leads members to be more involved in their school, chapter and community, thus gaining new experiences and recognition,” says Brett Evans, SAE education specialist for the National FFA Organization. “The desire to earn FFA degrees is a motivator to higher academic achievement.”
Five degrees are available to FFA members. Learn more about each degree, what it takes to earn a degree and how FFA degrees can help you achieve your academic and career goals.
Types of FFA Degrees
- The Discovery FFA Degree is the first degree a member can be eligible for, and it is intended for seventh and eighth grade members who participate in FFA activities.
- The Greenhand FFA Degree is awarded to ninth grade or older members who learn about the FFA history, mission, creed and emblem and make plans for an SAE.
- The Chapter FFA Degree is awarded to members in 10th grade or higher who are involved in chapter activities and community service and complete the minimum hours of instruction and SAE project growth.
- The State FFA Degree is awarded by State Associations and is open to members in 11th grade or higher who are involved in chapter leadership, state–level activities and community service, and who complete a set number of hours of instruction and SAE growth and productivity.
- The American FFA Degree, considered the gold standard, is the highest FFA degree. It is awarded to high school graduate members with demonstrated leadership, community service, academic success and outstanding SAE programs.
Tips for Earning FFA Degrees
Curious about where to start? First, learn what each FFA degree requires, and set a goal to achieve your desired degree.
“Make a plan as early as possible for how you’ll meet your desired degree requirements, including the agricultural education classes you will take in high school,” Evans says. “Explore all kinds of careers to choose an SAE project that will help you learn career skills in your desired field.”
Jump in and participate in chapter activities and take advantage of leadership opportunities. Start keeping a record of your activities, achievements, community service and SAE projects for future reference.
Benefits of Earning FFA Degrees
FFA degrees matter. They can benefit you for the rest of your educational journey and even in your future career. Holding an FFA degree can help you obtain an FFA officer position, develop valuable skills, gain new experiences, learn more about yourself and build your resume.
“Striving to earn FFA degrees leads members to having more employment and entrepreneurial experience than the average student,” Evans says. “It also leads to meeting new people and experiencing new things, which opens up new opportunities.”
Learn more about the FFA degrees at FFA.org/Awards.
