The Blue Jackets program, now in its 15th year, carries forward the tradition of providing FFA jackets for members to earn. Help the Blue Jackets program welcome students into the FFA family, as it gives the 3,000th jacket to a South Dakota FFA member in 15 years.

The FFA corduroy jacket is more than part of the official dress code. To its owner, the FFA jacket is a reminder of the personal accomplishments achieved through the organization. An FFA jacket unifies members in a long-standing tradition.

“Putting on that blue corduroy jacket with your name on for the first time is something you never forget,” says Sandy Osterday, South Dakota FFA Foundation president.  “Whether it’s zipping up your jacket for the first time, seeing a mob of 60,000 blue jackets wandering the streets at National FFA Convention, or proudly hanging your jacket in the closet after an event, each FFA jacket holds a lifetime of memories and accomplishments. We want every South Dakota FFA member to have that experience. If your FFA jacket still holds fond memories for you, we invite you to sponsor a jacket.”

Aside from the Blue Jackets program, South Dakota FFA Foundation develops resources to:

Program grows 

This school year, South Dakota will have the most chapters it’s ever had at 108. When students join FFA, they typically purchase or borrow jackets to compete in the many leadership and career development events offered through FFA. The jacket is their team “uniform” to be worn at all official FFA events. In 2021, more than 400 members applied for a jacket through the Blue Jackets program. With the continued growth of agriculture education and FFA programs, the need is expected to increase. 

To support the Blue Jackets campaign and help award the 3,000th jacket in 15 years, donate by Sept. 15. A total donation of $90 provides a jacket, an FFA tie or scarf, and full shipping for delivery to the member.

Send your donation via online at sdffafoundation.org, or mail to SD FFA Foundation, 39393 133rd St., Bath, SD 5742.

For more information, contact Gerri Ann Eide, SD FFA Foundation executive director, at 605-765-4865 or [email protected].   

The foundation is proud to support agricultural education and its mission to make a difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Source: South Dakota FFA Foundation, is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.