The National FFA Organization is helping over one million student members grow into tomorrow’s leaders. Through innovative programs and immersive learning experiences, FFA equips young people with real-world skills — and now, digital credentials are helping them prove it.
Watch the video below to hear how learners and educators are using FFA’s digital credentials to stand out, get hired, and inspire others — and then keep scrolling for more on the impact these credentials are already having.
Making Learner Achievements Visible (and Shareable)
FFA has started issuing digital credentials to recognize high-impact achievements and experiences like:
- American FFA Degree — The highest honor awarded by FFA, recognizing members who demonstrate exceptional commitment, leadership, and community involvement throughout their FFA career.
- FFA Live! Reporter — Members who serve as on-camera correspondents during the National FFA Convention & Expo, conducting interviews and producing stories for various media platforms.
- Style Squad — A select group of members who showcase FFA merchandise and promote the organization's brand through personalized style and social media engagement.
- #SpeakAg Pioneers — Leaders in agricultural advocacy who promote agricultural literacy by hosting workshops, creating content, and participating in events like National Ag Day.
- National Teacher Ambassador — Educators equipped to provide training and answer questions about FFA's educational resources, enhancing the support system for agricultural education nationwide.
These badges aren’t just awards. They’re verified proof of hard work, leadership, and career-readiness — and students are proudly sharing them on LinkedIn, Instagram, and in their email signatures.
Nina Wildland, a Speak Ag Pioneer and New Jersey FFA State Reporter, shared that earning her credentials helps her prove her commitment and expertise: “It gives me a way to show employers this is why I’m here — I have real experience. I want to work in soil conservation with the USDA, and this credential helps me tell that story.”
A New Kind of Recognition That Builds Confidence
For many members, receiving a digital credential isn’t just about resume-building — it’s a meaningful moment of reflection and pride.
American FFA Degree recipient and former National Officer Emily Gossett says, “It’s more than a line on a resume. It gives me a sense of belonging and opens doors. When I added it to LinkedIn, I got so many messages — it sparked conversations about what I’d done and what FFA is all about.”
And it’s not just students benefiting. Elizabeth Eastup, a Teacher Ambassador from Virginia, said that earning the credential validated her commitment to mentoring other educators and sharing resources. “It opens the door for collaboration,” she explained, “and it’s already in my email signature and on LinkedIn.”
Jeff McKinney, a Teacher Ambassador from Alabama, echoed that sentiment. He described the credential as both a badge of personal pride and a conversation starter. “It gives me a way of showing outwardly what that experience is and how I can apply it to my program.”
Why It Matters
FFA has long been known for preparing students for leadership and career success. Now, digital credentials help make that preparation visible to the world — in a format learners want to share. This aligns with what we’ve seen across education and training programs: digital credentials are becoming a powerful tool for learners to unlock career potential.
With Accredible, FFA can:
- Recognize learners instantly and at scale
- Enable one-click sharing to LinkedIn, social media, resumes, and email
- Help students stand out to employers with verified, skill-based recognition
- Encourage past and present members to connect, mentor, and inspire
Brett Evans, Program Specialist at the National FFA Organization, works closely with the American FFA Degree — an honor historically earned by fewer than 1% of members. He shared that industry professionals recognize its significance: “You're not going to get the job just because you have the American FFA Degree on your resume, but it’s an eye-catcher. Employers know what it means — and it sets recipients apart from the pack.”
He added that making the credential easier to share helps encourage more learners to aspire toward it. “We hope it’s both a celebration for those who earn it and an incentive for those still working toward it.”
What’s Next?
FFA’s credentialing journey is just beginning — but even with a small number of credentials issued so far, the impact is already clear. As the program expands, more students will be able to showcase their leadership, communication, and technical skills to the world.
And with digital credentials, the blue jacket isn’t just iconic — it’s clickable.
