Waterford FFA - Applications
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Many opportunities are available to members who choose to complete one of the many applications for awards and recognition. A few of the applications are listed below with a short description.
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SAE Projects & Proficiency Awards for SAEs
Fair Exhibitors: new fair form; FFA Membership Application (this program will lock out after Feb 29)
FFA Membership Application
The Waterford FFA Membership Application can be accessed by clicking here: Membership Application. This is the first step towards membership and is relatively short (10 questions).
This form is necessary for us to acquire the necessary information to include students as members. FFA is unique in that it is a federally-run program through the US Department of Education. Because of this, we have to keep accurate data on all members. You will not receive SPAM or unwanted mail as part of your membership - this information is simply needed for management of the program.
Please make sure all information is accurate and entered correctly - if you enter your contact information incorrectly, you will not receive the newsletter, notices, or announcements.
The 9th question asks you to describe your SAE - this is simply the personal project you have or intend to have that is related to ag or biosciences. This can be anything ranging from a hobby to a job to a project. It simply has to be ag or science-related and has to occur outside of regular class hours.
The last question asks for activities you might like to be a part of in the FFA. This is not a sign-up for these activities; rather, it is simply a way for the officer team and advisor to gauge what activities to promote to which people based on their responses.
NOTE: Keep in mind that Waterford Union High School has requirements for involvement in any activity or sport, including a code of conduct. Please visit Ms. Dummer in the Activities Office for more details.
SAE & Proficiency Awards
It is a requirement of the FFA that all members either a) take an agricultural course each year and/or b) complete a Supervised Agricultural Experience, or SAE.
An SAE is simply a student's personal project or job that is related to the fields of agriculture or bioscience. For example, any student that shows an animal at the fair has an SAE. Students who have a part-time job related to agricutlure in some way have an SAE. Students who work outside of class on a research project or as part of the Summer Scholars Research Program have an SAE.
There are two kinds of SAE's:
- Placement - a placement SAE consists of working for another person or company. It could also be an internship or job shadowing (such as riding along with a veterinarian during some of their calls). In a Placement SAE, students participate in a job-related activity related to agriculture or bioscience.
- Entrepreneurship - in this case, the student SAE project is independent. The student covers their own expenses and keeps the profits from their project. If a student raised and sold their own animal or animals, cut lawn for customers using their own equipment, or sold products as a part of their own personal business, this would be entrepreneurship.
An SAE is simply a student project. However, students can apply for Proficiency Awards for their projects at the local, state, and national levels. Proficiency Awards are given to those projects that enable students to acquire a large amount of skill and ability and that show growth and development over time. Students are highly encouraged to apply for proficiency awards for any SAE program they have conducted. Proficiency Awards often come with cash scholarships and are a highly valuable addition to any resume or college application (Mr. Kohn's proficiency awards were one of the key ways he was able to get accepted into Medical School because they showed clear skills that he acquired that were directly applicable to medicine).
Proficiency Application for Placement
Proficiency Application for Entrepreneurship
FFA Degree Applications
Websters Dictionary defines a "degree" as a measure of a persons rank, accomplishments, or progress. Degrees exist in society to recognize and reward individuals for their personal accomplishments. The FFA reflects this through their own degree program. Four degrees are available to Waterford FFA Members:
- Greenhand Degree - this is the first degree a Waterford FFA member can acquire. It is awarded for completing the most basic requirements of FFA membership. This degree is granted at the Chapter Awards Banquet each April.
- Chapter Degree - this is the highest degree awarded at the local level and is awarded for students who have shown committed and active membership. Click here for the application. This degree is granted at the Chapter Awards Banquet each April.
- State Degree - this is the highest degree awarded in the state and is reserved for members who are among the elite in the FFA. Click here for the application. Click here for the mandatory Community Service Page. Click here to visit the Wisconsin FFA Page with more files. This degree is granted at the State FFA Convention each June.
- American Degree - this is the highest degree awarded in the entire FFA and is reserved for only the best of the best FFA members. Fewer than 0.5% of FFA members will receive this prestigious recognition and is one of the most difficult recognitions a student can attain. Click here for the application. Click here for the mandatory Community Service Page (note: in Wisconsin, the American Degree is the same form as the State Degree- be sure to fill out the appropriate sections!). This degree is granted at the National FFA Convention each October.
FFA Officer Applications
FFA Officer Nominations are opened at the February Chapter Meeting and remain open until the March Meeting. Any valid member may be nominated and members may nominate themselves. Approved nominees must complete the application below by the stated deadline prior to the April Meeting. At the April Meeting, approved nominees who have successfully completed the application will be eligible to be placed on the ballot for chapter office. Member attendees at the April Chapter Meeting will elect the officers for the following year. After the needed number of officers have been elected, they decide amongst themselves who will serve in each position.
Note: serving as a Chapter Officer is a serious, time-consuming commitment. It requires a year-round commitment with weekly activities and obligations. Please do not make this decision lightly!
Details for the Officer Election Process
Application for Waterford Chapter Office (completed after the March meeting)
FFA Scholarship Applications
Millions of dollars worth of scholarships are awarded to FFA members annually at the national, state, and local levels. All FFA members are encouraged to complete FFA Scholarship Applications. Typically scholarships are awarded on the basis of FFA involvement, experience in the agriculture industry, future intentions, scholastic ability, and financial need.
Waterford FFA Alumni Scholarship Application
Racine County Farm Bureau Scholarship
State FFA Association Scholarship
Misc. Applications
Many opportunities exist for FFA members. A few of the select opportunities are listed and linked below.
State FFA Honors Band & Chorus Details
Washington Leadership Conference Scholarship (to attend the WLC Program in Washington DC)
Additional Links
What is FFA?
How to Join
Activities
Calendar of Events
Fair Exhibitor Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Applications
Scientific Research & Experimentation
Travel & Conferences
FFA Newsletter
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