9. It Gives Back

After hearing about all of the cool things FFA can teach you to better yourself and your career, I thought I would tell you how this organization gives back to you. First, did you know the FFA Organization gives out approximately $2 million dollars in scholarship money each year? A few of the sponsors of these scholarships include, AGCO Dealers, John Deere, RAM Trucks, Firestone Dealers, and Ford Dealers. I was lucky enough to receive a Built Ford Tough scholarship sponsored by Zeck Ford out of Leavenworth, Kansas. On top of receiving the scholarship I got to walk across the stage at the 86^th annual Kansas FFA Convention to receive a certificate,  and meet the owners of Zeck Ford who presented me with a plaque. My scholarship helped make it possible for me to come to Washburn University.

On top of scholarship opportunities, my junior year of high school I received my State FFA Degree. Basically throughout your FFA years you can earn different degrees. In the order of, Discovery Degree, Greenhand Degree, Chapter Degree, State Degree, and American Degree. The Discovery, Greenhand, and Chapter Degrees are all recognized within your chapter at chapter banquets. The State Degree is recognized by the State FFA Association, they choose the top members from the state and present them with the State Degree. To receive the American Degree, you have to be recognized by the National FFA Association and selected from your state.

Besides getting the opportunity to walk across the state at your state FFA convention why are these degrees important? Receiving you State Degree opens many doors for yourself and your schooling. Including my State Degree on scholarship applications, college applications, and job applications, increases my chances of getting into that school or getting that job. Why? Because receiving your State Degree means you are driven to succeed, you enjoy giving back to your community, you are hard-working, and you are successful. Does that mean I got accepted to that school, or got that job solely because of my State Degree? Absolutely not, but it does put the odds in your favor. Giving your all to this organization does pay off, it gives back and helps further your education.