This article was originally published in the Reading Eagle:
https://www.readingeagle.com/2024/03/14/superintendents-forum-the-sustainable-impact-of-ffa/
By: Dr. Gina Finnerty, Oley Valley School District
Thursday, March 14, 2024
The National FFA Organization, is a dynamic youth organization that prepares its members for leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. It was founded in 1928 as Future Farmers of America. It changed its name to the National FFA Organization in 1988 to reflect the evolving diversity of agriculture and its relevance to a wide range of careers beyond farming.
FFA provides students with opportunities to learn about agriculture, develop leadership skills and engage in hands-on experiences through various programs and activities. These include supervised agricultural experiences, where students apply classroom knowledge to real-life projects, as well as competitions at local, state and national levels.
FFA offers more than 300 career opportunities in the agricultural science, food, fiber and natural resources industries, catering to diverse interests and career goals.
While FFA has its roots in farming, it is not limited to farmers. Members come from various backgrounds and pursue careers in teaching, science, medicine, finance and entrepreneurship. The organization fosters a sense of community and belonging among its members, empowering them to make a positive difference in their lives and communities.
In Pennsylvania, the FFA has a rich history, with more than 13,000 students participating in the state association across four regions. Local chapters like the one in the Oley Valley School District offer students a wide range of agricultural education courses and opportunities.
Established in 1932, the Oley Valley FFA has provided 91 years of service to students and the community with a strong foundation of agricultural education.
In addition to 15 diverse course offerings, students have access to two Anatomage Tables, a Vet Tech Table, a Motus Wildlife Tracking System, an HOBO Agricultural Monitoring Weather Station, a Lincoln Electric Virtual Welder, a grow room that includes aquaponic and hydroponic systems, a large exterior greenhouse, a food science lab with a 15-gallon pasteurizer, commercial dehydrator and vacuum sealer.
The diversity of courses, access to exceptional and innovative equipment, highly qualified teachers and overwhelming support from the community provide students with every chance to excel and compete at the state and national levels and ultimately prepare them for a rewarding future.
National FFA Week, observed in February, is a time to celebrate the achievements of FFA members, promote awareness of the organization and inspire involvement and support from the community. It provides students with a platform to share their experiences and the impact FFA has had on their lives, reinforcing the organization’s mission to develop premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
With its focus on student success and support from scholarships and donations, FFA continues to shape the lives of generations of students and contribute to the future of agriculture.