Getting involved in FFA and 4-H

September/October 2007

Back to school means back to hands-on learning for FFA and 4-H members throughout the state. While the organizations are different in many respects, a common theme is young people learning and growing in citizenship, leadership and life skills.

FFA

The quick story: Founded in 1928 as Future Farmers of America, FFA is an integral part of the agricultural education program. It’s not a “club.” Rather, it’s an opportunity for young people to be engaged in the learning process in a fun and practical way—beyond the classroom. Students not only gain an understanding of agriculture, they also develop skills for career success through leadership and competitive events. FFA has chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Center is in Indianapolis, while the doors of the new 9,000-square-foot California FFA Center opened last winter in the Sacramento County community of Galt.

Who can belong: High school students enrolled in ag education.

To find if your school has a chapter: Visit www.ffa.org and click on “My FFA Login” at the right side of the page.

4-H

The quick story: 4-H starts on a community level, then moves onto county, section, state and national levels. Programs include after-school programs, horse groups, camping and 4-H clubs (the original program, dating back to 1902). Project groups, which are organized at the club level, cater to a wide range of interests—from the traditional livestock and homemaking projects to robotics, photography and leadership. While 4-H has rural roots, nearly half of the members in California today live in urban or suburban areas. 4-H is in every county throughout California and the United States.

Who can belong: Youth ages 9-19.

For find a club near you: Visit www.ca4h.org and use the search function at the right side of the page.