As Minnesota FFA welcomes thousands of young people into membership this school year, the Minnesota FFA Foundation will again offer the Blue Jackets Bright Futures program, which provides sponsored FFA jackets to Minnesota youth who are starting their FFA careers.

This is the ninth year the Minnesota FFA Foundation has offered the program.

Lavyne Rada, Minnesota FFA Association leadership development coordinator, says FFA jackets provided to new members helps support their FFA involvement.

“A personalized FFA jacket provides recipients with a sense of pride while giving them ownership of their FFA experiences,” she says.

BUCKS FOR BLUES: Donors are sought by the Minnesota FFA Foundation to help sponsor FFA jacket purchases for new FFA members.

Last year, more than 400 applications were received by FFA members, says Val Aarsvold, Minnesota FFA Foundation executive director. Nearly 200 were awarded, thanks to sponsorships.

“Many past members have sponsored jackets,” she says. “But it’s not uncommon for individuals and companies to sponsor jackets, because they appreciate what the organization does to develop young leaders.”

Jackets are $75 each. Aarsvold said they would like to have received sponsorships by Oct. 15.

For more information on the Blue Jacket Bright Futures program, call Val Aarsvold at 507-534-0188 or visit the foundation website, at mnffafoundation.org.

The Minnesota FFA Foundation partners with individuals and businesses to provide resources that promote and enhance premier leadership, personal growth and career success for Minnesota youth in agricultural education.