American FFA Degree
The American FFA Degree is awarded to FFA members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA and made significant accomplishments in their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs). Approximately 3,500 American FFA Degrees are handed out each year at the National FFA Convention. That number represents less than half of one percent of all FFA members, making it one of the organization’s highest honors. In addition to their degree, each recipient receives a gold American FFA Degree key.
The top American FFA Degree recipients from each state may also be nominated by for a Star Award.
Qualifications
FFA members who qualify for the American FFA Degree:
- Have received a Greenhand FFA Degree, Chapter FFA Degree and State FFA Degree.
- Have been FFA members for at least three years.
- Have completed at least three years (540 hours) of high school agriculture classes, or 2 years of high school agriculture classes and one year of college agriculture classes (360 hours.)
- Have graduated from high school one year prior to the National FFA Convention at which their degree will be awarded.
- Have maintained detailed SAE records, which demonstrate outstanding planning, managerial and financial skills.
- Have earned and productively invested at least $7,500, or have earned and productively invested at least $1,500 and worked 2,250 hours beyond scheduled school hours through their SAEs.
- Have a record of outstanding leadership skills.
- Have a record of participating in community service activities. Updated Community Service Requirements
- Have maintained a “C” grade average or better.
How to Apply
Once you’re received your State FFA Degree, you may fill out the American FFA Degree Award Application (Page 12 -Community Service Activities) and submit it to your state FFA association for approval. Your state association will forward your application on to the National FFA Center.
Application deadlines vary by state, so check with your State FFA Association to find out when your application is due.
Applications are due to the National FFA Center from the state FFA offices on June 15.
Star Awards
Star Award nominees are selected based on the quality of their American FFA Degree applications. Each state FFA association may recommend one candidate for each of the four award areas:
- Star Farmer
- Star in Agribusiness
- Star in Agricultural Placement
- Star in Agriscience
Want to learn more? Visit the Star Awards page.
