National FFA Organization Announces Strengthened Partnership with John Deere
Indianapolis, Ind. (PRWEB) January 27, 2016 -- For more than 72 years, the National FFA Organization and John Deere have worked hand in hand to ensure the future of agriculture and agricultural education. Through their generous donations, John Deere has worked with FFA to provide FFA members the opportunity to grow into leaders, build their communities and strengthen agriculture.
2016 will be no exception. John Deere has pledged to donate one million dollars annually over the next five years to help FFA continue its strides in creating future leaders.
Education is one of John Deere Corporate Citizenship’s primary focus areas. This effort to inspire youth to achieve their greatest potential aligns well with the FFA mission of making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
"John Deere has been a deeply loyal and generous partner of FFA for many years," said Molly Ball, National FFA Foundation President. "The announcement of this continued commitment with this multi-year gift speaks volumes to their dedication to the future of agriculture and FFA. Through gifts like this, we are able to continue to pursue our mission and strengthen the future leaders of agriculture and agricultural education."
At the local, state and national level, FFA brings their mission to life for student members. Members gain experience in the areas of agricultural literacy and advocacy, agricultural knowledge, career exploration, leadership development, food security, and service engagement.
Deere's support through the years has allowed FFA to deliver its mission to millions of members. Their gifts have supported the National FFA Organization's Career Development events, Proficiency Awards, National Chapter Awards, Agriscience Fair, and leadership conferences for state officers. Deere is also a key supporter of the National Association of Agricultural Educators, as well as the FFA scholarship program, in conjunction with John Deere dealers.
In addition to monetary support, Deere employees have an active FFA Alumni Chapter. Since 1947, five John Deere representatives have served in the role of the National FFA Foundation Sponsors' Board Chair, including Cory Reed, senior vice president, Intelligent Solutions Group, who headed the group last year.
“John Deere is privileged to partner with such an esteemed and valuable organization as FFA”, said Amy Allen, Manager, National Corporate Contributions. “We look forward to continuing our partnership and shared commitment to tomorrow’s Ag leaders.”
The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 629,367 student members who belong to one of 7,757 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
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About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 629,367 student members as part of 7,757 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org, on Facebook, Twitter and the official National FFA Organization blog.
About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees comprised of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA alumni, the foundation is a separately-registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.
Deere & Company (http://www.JohnDeere.com) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services and is committed to the success of customers whose work is linked to the land – those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich and build upon the land to meet the world's dramatically increasing need for food, fuel, shelter and infrastructure.
Kristy Meyer, National FFA Organization, http://ffa.org, +1 (317) 802-4205, [email protected]
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