Factors Impacting Members Decisions to Continue FFA Beyond High School

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors influencing FFA members to continue their FFA experience beyond high school. Two focus groups were conducted, one for collegiate FFA members and one for past/current state officers. Participants provided several areas of improvement for collegiate and alumni FFA membership. Participants noted a lack of advertising from the FFA during high school regarding opportunities for involvement after high school, stated their advisor played an influential role in deciding to continue with FFA, and expressed FFA needed to put forth greater efforts into career building opportunities for collegiate members. Also, participants noted factors such as the desire to give back, safe environment, opportunities to learn about agriculture, and the “FFA Family” as reasons for continuing involvement. State officer participants gave additional insights to why they continued with FFA, including helping members overcome barriers and wanting to serve others. To increase membership beyond high school, we recommend professional development to help advisors promote FFA, evaluation on advertising efforts and increasing advertisements, develop program guidelines outlining how collegiate chapters can accomplish their mission and host events aimed at personal development, and publish best practices on leading a successful alumni chapter.