The Motivation and Influence Behind the Decisions of High School Students to Participate in the National FFA Organization

Taylor Nielsen, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Document Type Project

Copyright 2025, Taylor Nielsen. Used by permission

Abstract

Today, high school students are increasingly engaged in extracurricular activities, navigating a diverse range of options for which clubs and organizations to join during their secondary education. This poses a challenge for students and for Career and Technical Student Organizations as they work to recruit talented students. High school students have several influences and pressures on their time, including peers, family, and teachers. These influences often recognize how organizations such as FFA can be pivotal in shaping students’ personal and professional development. We wanted to explore the motivations and influences guiding high school students’ decisions to join and actively participate in FFA. Employing an exploratory case study approach, this research focused on two Midwest high schools to understand the influences shaping students’ engagement in FFA. We found that a range of motivations, including personal relationships, culture, and future career opportunities, influenced students’ decisions. These findings have implications for agricultural education teachers and others in the agricultural community, helping them understand what motivates students and how students perceive the benefits and value of their participation within the organization.

Advisor: Becky Haddad