Wisconsin FFA Foundation accepting sponsorship for state awards.


FFA logo
With the school year in full swing, FFA members across Wisconsin are building their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE), perfecting their speaking skills and practicing for Career Development Events (CDE). Now is your chance to assist in these career-building opportunities through the Wisconsin FFA Foundation's sponsorship program.

The broad range of opportunities provided through these programs allow FFA members to find a program that fits their interests and helps to build their skillsets. Each of these contests and educational opportunities is funded by corporate and individual sponsorships through the Wisconsin FFA Foundation. "We need assistance from donors to continue to offer the range of opportunities to FFA students," says Nicole Nelson, executive director of the Wisconsin FFA Foundation. A listing of areas needing sponsorship can be found on the Wisconsin FFA Foundation website, www.wisconsinffafoundation.org, by following the "Special Project" navigation on the left hand side of the home page.

Wisconsin's agricultural education programs have been thriving because of continued generous corporate and individual sponsorships. "Donations to the Wisconsin FFA Foundation are an investment in the future of Wisconsin," says Nelson. "CDEs, SAEs and speaking contests prepare our future agricultural leaders for their careers.

"By giving to the Wisconsin FFA Foundation, you are helping grow tomorrow's leaders," Nelson says. "Sponsors can rest comfortably knowing they are investing in the next generation."

Opportunities available for sponsorship include:

Career Development Events: Through career training and judging contests, CDEs help students develop the abilities to think critically, communicate properly and perform effectively in a competitive job market. Members also are able to showcase their knowledge and skills gained through classroom coursework and FFA. There are over 20 CDEs, covering numerous areas from agriculture mechanics to natural resources to veterinary science.

Proficiency Awards: These awards encourage and reward Wisconsin FFA members for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program, which are planned, practical activities conducted outside the agriscience classroom. These educational opportunities use an authentic work-based or entrepreneurial setting to help students develop and apply knowledge and skills learned inside the classroom and integrate their skills and techniques. Students can compete for awards in nearly 50 areas, covering everything from agriculture communications to wildlife management to small animal placement.

Speaking Contests: The various types of speaking contests encourage FFA members to develop all types of written and verbal communication skills: creed speaking, prepared public speaking, extemporaneous public speaking, parliamentary procedure, discussion meet, quiz bowl and job interview. Strong communication ability is among the most important skills sought by today's employers, making it a valuable asset for future careers in any field.

To show supporter pride for Wisconsin FFA, any Wisconsin FFA supporter – corporate or individual – who donates $10 or more to the Wisconsin FFA Foundation can receive a window cling to highlight their commitment to the organization.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities within the Wisconsin FFA Foundation visit www.wisconsinffafoundation.org. Questions can be directed to the Wisconsin FFA Foundation at info@wisconsinffafoundation.org or 608-831-5058.

The Wisconsin FFA Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) organization, unites individuals, organizations and companies who share a common interest in the advancement of agriculture and community leadership through FFA. You can support today's FFA members by supporting the programs that have been core tenets of the FFA: proficiency awards, career development events, state FFA degrees, sectional leadership workshops, scholarships, chapter awards, agri-science fair, state FFA convention and state officer support. Learn more about the Wisconsin FFA Foundation and sponsorship opportunities by visiting www.wisconsinffafoundation.org.

10.29.2012