Indianapolis, Indiana
National FFA Organization
Premier Leadership
Personal Growth
Career Success
National FFA
FFA Mission
FFA makes a positive difference in
the lives of students by
developing their potential for
premier leadership, personal
growth and career success
through agricultural education.
Our Mission
FFA – Discover the Power
 455,306 FFA members in 7,226 schools in 50 states,
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
 School-based — over 11,000 teachers delivering
innovative, cutting-edge integrated curriculum
 Members participate in hands-on work experience
— apply knowledge learned in class
 Members prepare for more than 300 careers in the
science, business and technology of agriculture
Our Future
Horatio Alger Association
 Horatio Alger Association
– Seeks to motivate and educate nation’s youth
– Communicates that American dream is attainable
– Identifies outstanding role models
 Assesses the “State of Our Nation’s Youth”
– Annual survey regarding the thoughts and opinions
of the typical student
The American Dream
Purdue University Study
 Independent Survey and Study
 Compares FFA members and agricultural
education students to the “typical high school
student”
 Statistical results reveal the differential value of
the Ag Ed / FFA program
Independent Survey
FFA members experience
greater personal growth!
 90% of FFA members participate in
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
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sports, school and community activities
vs. 77% of typical students
91% vs. 66% relate personal effort to personal success
93% believe it’s “important to do their best” vs. 73% of
typical students
Involved in experiential learning
70% of FFA members who participate in FFA programs
receive recognition and awards for their contributions
91% vs. 66%
FFA members are
academically oriented!
 Enthusiastic about studies
– 83% say “courses are exciting” vs. 32% of typical students
 Courses are challenging!
– 67% FFA members vs. 55% typical students think courses are challenging!
 Courses are interesting!
– 88% FFA members vs. 49% typical students think courses are interesting!
 86% go on to colleges and universities (vs. 84%)
 FFA offers national and state scholarship opportunities!
86% vs. 84%
FFA members are
career oriented!
 More likely to be employed
– for the 99-00 school year:
FFA 86.8% vs. 61.5% typical students
 Define career objectives with goals
 Graduate with specific career in mind
 More likely to identify career in agriculture
 89% FFA members “Believe in career success and are
optimistic about future” vs. 68% typical students
89% vs. 68%
Purdue Study Synopsis
FFA members’ attitudes and
behaviors indicate they
benefit more from their
personal, academic and career
experiences during school
than does the typical student.
Are our kids different?
The FFA Member is…
 Well rounded and respected
 Committed, loyal, hardworking
 Motivated, a lifelong learner
 Moral, ethical, value-driven and community-
oriented
 Prepared and proven…Professional
Your Next Employee
Make a Difference!
 FFA offers opportunity!
 Students…challenge yourself, get involved and
participate
 Parents…make a difference, help your child gain
valuable experience and life skills
 Partners…invest in the future by supporting the
members and their efforts!
Get Involved
FFA Mission
FFA makes a positive difference in
the lives of students by
developing their potential for
premier leadership, personal
growth and career success
through agricultural education.
Our Mission