The Future Farmers of America (FFA) offers five degrees of membership, each representing increasing levels of commitment, leadership, and agricultural knowledge. Earning these degrees is a significant accomplishment, reflecting dedication to personal growth and the advancement of agricultural education. Let's explore each degree and its requirements.
1. Discovery Degree
The Discovery Degree is the foundational FFA membership level, designed for students new to the organization. It's an introductory program focused on building a solid base in FFA principles and activities. This degree emphasizes exploration and foundational learning about agriculture and leadership.
Requirements for the Discovery Degree:
- Membership: Active membership in the FFA.
- Chapter Activities: Participation in at least two FFA activities or events. These could include meetings, workshops, community service projects, or agricultural skill development activities.
- Agricultural Exploration: Engaging in at least one agricultural exploration activity. This might involve a field trip to a farm, attending an agricultural workshop, or participating in an agricultural project.
- FFA Knowledge: Demonstrating basic knowledge of the FFA mission, creed, motto, and emblem. This is often assessed through chapter meetings, discussions, or quizzes.
- Application: Completing and submitting the Discovery Degree application form.
2. Greenhand Degree
The Greenhand Degree represents a step up from the Discovery Degree. It signifies a member's commitment to learning more about agriculture and developing essential leadership skills. The requirements emphasize increased involvement and a deeper understanding of FFA principles.
Requirements for the Greenhand Degree:
- Discovery Degree: Successful completion of the Discovery Degree.
- Membership: Continued active FFA membership.
- Chapter Activities: Participation in a minimum of three FFA chapter activities.
- FFA Knowledge: Demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the FFA mission, creed, motto, emblem, and history.
- Agricultural Proficiency: Involvement in at least one agricultural project or supervised agricultural experience (SAE). This shows active engagement in learning agricultural skills.
- Application: Completing and submitting the Greenhand Degree application form.
3. Chapter Degree
The Chapter Degree acknowledges a member's significant contributions to their local FFA chapter. This level requires a higher degree of involvement and leadership within the chapter and community.
Requirements for the Chapter Degree:
- Greenhand Degree: Successful completion of the Greenhand Degree.
- Membership: Continued active FFA membership.
- Chapter Activities: Participation in a substantial number of chapter activities, demonstrating leadership roles and responsibilities.
- Leadership Roles: Holding a leadership position within the chapter or actively participating in leadership development programs.
- Community Service: Contributing to the community through FFA-related service projects.
- Agricultural Proficiency: Demonstrating continued progress and achievements in their SAE or agricultural projects.
- Application: Completing and submitting the Chapter Degree application form.
4. State Degree
The State Degree is a significant achievement, signifying a member's excellence in FFA activities and commitment to agricultural advancement. This degree requires a much higher level of involvement, both within the chapter and on the state level.
Requirements for the State Degree:
- Chapter Degree: Successful completion of the Chapter Degree.
- Membership: Continued active FFA membership.
- SAE Proficiency: Maintaining a high level of achievement in their SAE. This often involves detailed record-keeping and demonstration of significant skills.
- Leadership and Activities: Demonstrating exceptional leadership within the chapter and significant participation in state FFA events and activities.
- Community Service: Significant contributions to community service projects.
- Academic Achievement: Maintaining a satisfactory academic record.
- Application: Completing a rigorous state-level application process, often involving detailed documentation and interviews.
5. American Degree
The American Degree represents the highest honor in the FFA. It recognizes members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, agricultural proficiency, and commitment to the FFA at the national level.
Requirements for the American Degree:
- State Degree: Successful completion of the State Degree.
- Membership: Continued active FFA membership.
- SAE Proficiency: Demonstrating continued excellence and significant achievements in their SAE.
- Leadership and Activities: Demonstrating exceptional leadership at the chapter, state, and national levels, with substantial participation in FFA events.
- Community Service: Significant and sustained contributions to community service projects.
- Academic Achievement: Maintaining a high level of academic achievement throughout their FFA career.
- Application: A comprehensive and highly competitive national application process involving significant documentation and review.
Each degree requires increasing levels of commitment and achievement, culminating in the prestigious American Degree. The exact requirements for each degree may vary slightly depending on the state and local FFA chapter, so it's always best to consult with your local FFA advisor for the most up-to-date and specific information.
