Comprehensive Bullet-Point Study Notes: FFA Foundations and History

Relates the role of the FFA student organization to students’ ___ personal development, focusing on leadership, personal growth, and preparation for careers in agriculture and related fields.

$1917$ : The ___ Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education Act established vocational agriculture courses. (Smith and Hughes were Georgia Congressmen)
$1928$ : The Future Farmers of America was founded during the ___ American Royal Livestock Show in Kansas City, Missouri.
$1950$ : Public Law 740 passed by the U.S. Congress granting FFA a federal charter and officially making FFA an ___ intracurricular part of agriculture education.
$1965$ : The FFA absorbed the ___ New Farmers of America, an organization for African-American students; desegregation of schools followed, increasing membership.
$1969$ : ___ Girls were allowed membership.
$1988$ : The organization changed its name to The National FFA Organization to reflect the increase in the diversity of agriculture; agriculture had expanded beyond production farming to include science, technology, and ___ business.

Henry Groseclose: Known as “The Father of FFA” because his Future Farmers of Virginia Club inspired other states, leading to the formation of the Future Farmers of America.
Leslie Applegate: ___ First national FFA president; he was from New Jersey.
E. M. Tiffany: Author of ___ The FFA Creed, officially adopted by the FFA in 1930.
Kansas City, Missouri: ___ Birthplace of the FFA and home to the National FFA Convention for $71$ years.
Alexandria, Virginia: Location where the National FFA Headquarters were established on land formerly owned by ___ George Washington.
Louisville, Kentucky: Site of the National FFA Convention after moving from Kansas City; held there from $1999-2005$ and $2013-2016$ .
Indianapolis, Indiana: ___ Current home of The National FFA Center; site of the National FFA Convention from $2006-2012$ ; and the National Convention was planned to be held there again beginning in 2017.

Four Types of FFA Membership:
- Active: ___ active middle and high school students enrolled in an agriculture education class.
- Collegiate: ___ college students interested in agriculture careers.
- Alumni: ___ former active members and other FFA supporters.
- Honorary: ___ given to individuals who have provided outstanding service to the FFA and agriculture education.

Discovery Degree: for ___ middle school students.
Greenhand Degree: for ___ first-year agriculture education students in grades 9-12.
Chapter Degree: for ___ second- and third-year agriculture education students in grades 9-12.
State Degree: for ___ third- and fourth-year agriculture education students in grades 9-12.
American Degree: ___ the highest degree; students must have graduated and been out of high school for at least one year.

The FFA Motto: "Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve."
The FFA Mission Statement: "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."

Official Dress is the “___ uniform” of the FFA and a nationally recognized symbol of the FFA.
The jacket should only be worn by members and always ___ zipped up all the way.
Outfit includes the jacket worn with:
- ___ black pants (or skirt for girls)
- ___ white shirt with a collar
- ___ FFA tie or scarf
- ___ black shoes (and socks/hose)

President, Secretary, Reporter, Treasurer, Advisor, Sentinel, Vice President – positions associated with their respective symbols (Rising Sun, Ear of Corn, Flag, Washington Emblem, Owl, Plow, Door)

The evolution from production-focused agriculture to include science, technology, and business reflects broader changes in the agricultural industry and workforce needs.
The integration of the New Farmers of America and the desegregation era highlights the FFA’s role in ___ civil rights and inclusive leadership development.
The shifting convention locations (KC, Alexandria, Louisville, Indianapolis) show how the organization expanded its national footprint and adapted to logistics, partnerships, and growth.
The four degrees and five levels of achievement (Discovery through American) create a structured pathway for student development and recognition.
The FFA Emblem’s symbolism reinforces core values: unity, knowledge, hard work, and progress—concepts that align with modern agricultural education and career pathways.

Alignment with agricultural education goals: integrating classroom learning with leadership and career preparation.
Emphasis on premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through structured programs and recognition.
Ethical and civic dimensions: leadership development intersects with service, community engagement, and professional standards.

Participating in FFA can enhance ___ public speaking, teamwork, project planning, and community service.
Earning degrees provides tangible milestones for ___ college applications, scholarships, and career opportunities.
Dress and ceremonial practices promote professional identity and standards that mirror ___ workplace expectations.

$1917$ : ___ Smith-Hughes Act established vocational ag courses.
$1928$ : ___ FFA founded in Kansas City, MO.
$1950$ : ___ FFA granted federal charter; intracurricular within ag education.
$1965-1969$ : Desegregation and expanded membership (New Farmers of America absorbed; girls admitted).
$1988$ : Name changed to ___ The National FFA Organization to reflect broader agriculture.
Convention locations: ___ Kansas City (birthplace; 71 years), Alexandria HQ (George Washington land), Louisville (1999-2005, 2013-2016), Indianapolis (2006-2012; planned again from 2017).
Key figures: ___ Henry Groseclose (Father of FFA), Leslie Applegate (First National President), E. M. Tiffany (Creed author).