For generations of FFA members, the blue corduroy jacket has represented more than an organization. It represents belonging, opportunity and a connection to members who wore it before them.
The Nebraska FFA Foundation’s Blue Jackets, Bright Futures campaign is working to place that jacket into the hands of more Nebraska students. A $150 tax-deductible donation provides one FFA member with an official jacket and a tie or scarf.
For Nebraska FFA Foundation Development Coordinator Laura Albro, the program is personal. She received a jacket through the campaign as a freshman in the Bayard FFA chapter.
“I remember taking it home, and my dad pulled out his jacket as well,” Albro said. “My dad, my older sister and I had a little fashion show with our blue jackets.”
Albro said the jacket allows students to take ownership of their FFA experience while becoming part of something larger than themselves.
“When somebody puts on something that matches their peers, but it has their own name and their own chapter on the back, they’re given the opportunity to belong to something bigger than themselves,” she said.
More than 500 Nebraska students applied for jackets last year, but available donations allowed the foundation to award 250. The foundation hopes to provide at least that many again this year.
Demand continues to grow as Nebraska FFA now includes more than 13,000 members in 218 chapters.
Wauneta-Palisade FFA adviser Allison Sandman has watched the program’s effect from the other side of the application process. She helps students apply and sees their reactions when they learn they will receive a jacket.
“Their eyes light up to think, ‘I got a jacket that I did not have to fund,’ knowing that their family already has financial stress,” Sandman said.
The application asks students to describe their background and explain what owning an FFA jacket would mean to them. Advisers also provide information to help the selection committee understand the potential impact on each student.
Sandman said putting on the jacket can produce an immediate change in a student.
“You can just see in their demeanor how their energy is boosted and their confidence is boosted,” she said. “They’re really proud to wear that jacket and be part of an organization that does great things with leadership and career development.”
Each jacket recipient also writes a thank-you note to the donor who made the gift possible. Sandman said that connection makes the campaign meaningful for both the student and the supporter.
“Your small donation makes a large impact,” she said. “We only have the number of jackets that have been donated to give away.”
The Blue Jackets, Bright Futures campaign runs through Sept. 1. Donations can be made at neffafoundation.org.