The FFA American Degree as defined in the Greenhand Degree ceremony recognizes the efforts, accomplishments and achievements. You have done well and merit this recognition. Now it time to conclude your path in the FFA Organization and take your place as a highly respected individual in our organization. So here is how it works. 1. We have to first determine your eligibility. The National FFA Constitution says -- Q. How long do I have to receive my American Degree before I am no longer eligible? To retain membership during high school, you must be enrolled in at least one high school agriculture course during the school year or follow a planned course of study for an agricultural occupation that includes an SAE program. You may retain active membership until November 30th, following the fourth national FFA convention after graduation from high school. However, special circumstances may allow you to retain membership until age 23. Once you turn 23, you are no longer eligible to be an FFA member. For example: If you graduated from high school in 2007, you have to wait one year after graduation from high school to apply. Your window of opportunity to receive your American Degree is 2008, 2009, 2010. If you served in the military we can extend that one year, which means you could apply in 2011, as long as you have not turned 23 prior to the national FFA convention in October.
2. If you qualify based on time, the we need you to convert all your books to the I-recordbook. This will take some time and is similar to what you have already done. As you understand how to do recordbooks, this should be an easy but time consuming task. The link to the page is http://calaged.csuchico.edu/recordbook/
3. Once your books are done, we need to fill in the application. The due date is April 1. No JOKE! Your advisors need time to make sure your books are clean. We would like to meet with you during your spring break as well. We will get all the signatures and print the necessary forms and complete the official application.
Hints- START NOW. Transferring books seems to be time consuming, "lest you forget", so says Ms. Chung. You will need you password. Please text Mr. Dyer for this if you not have your password.
Now for the Amazing part! Join the AgCN Network ASAP! SCHOLARSHIPS, JOBS and INTERNSHIPS galore for qualified individuals like you.
4. As soon as your app says you are qualified start saving money. You will need about $2000 if you go for the show. Talk to your colleges as many of them take a recruiting team to the National Convention. I know UCD, CPSLO, CSUF and CSUC have been o the show recently. All of them pay the way for their recruiters, but not for their American Degree Recipients. Hint, Hint :) . We will also be fundraising again and we want your assistance as well.
5. Because you will be missing about a week of college, plan accordingly. Talk to your professors as soon as possible. Your college Ag Departments and your ag advisors (here) can advocate for you in circumstances like this.
6. If your families want to attend, and they will, reserve rooms NOW! They can always be cancelled. The convention books ALL hotels for a 50 mile radius, for real! We are likely to stay at the Galt House in Louisville Kentucky.
7. There are a huge amount of details to be determined. Watch my website for a special announcements. If you change emails, phone info or have questions, please contact your advisors immediately.