National Chapter Award

The National Chapter Award Program is designed to recognize FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality Chapter Standards (NQCS) and a Program of Activities (POA) that emphasize growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.

In order to qualify for the award, your chapter must complete at least 15 activities: one for each of the five quality standards of three divisions. Additionally, the chapter must meet the minimum requirements as outlined in the National Quality Chapter Standards.

Every chapter that meets the minimum quality chapter standards and completes Form I will qualify as a state superior chapter. To do this, chapters need to conduct one activity related to each quality standard in addition to meeting the minimum criteria outlined in the National Quality Chapter Standards. Chapters will receive a superior chapter certificate each year they achieve this level and the chapter will also be eligible to compete for their state's Gold, Silver and Bronze chapter awards.

To compete for state gold, silver or bronze awards, chapters must qualify for the superior chapter award and complete Form II. Chapters use Form II to report goals, plans of action and results/evaluation on three activities per division. State judges rank chapters as gold, silver or bronze based on the rubric. The highest scoring and second highest scoring chapters will be recognized on stage at the Pennsylvania State FFA Convention in June. Additionally, the highest scoring chapters (aside from the state winner and runner up) in the Growing Leaders, Building Communities and Strengthening Agriculture categories will also be recognized. 

The top 10% of the state's total number of chapters will be eligible to submit their application to the national level. These chapters will be eligible to compete for the National 3-star, 2-star and 1-star ratings. 

Important Dates and Deadlines: 

-Monday, May 18, 2026 National Chapter Award Applications Submitted to State on AET by 11:59 PM 

-Award Announcement at State FFA Convention in June 2026

***Please use May 16, 2025 as the start date and May 15, 2026 as the end date for your 2025-2026 NCA application.***

Suggested Timeline for Completing the National Chapter Award Application:

-June-July Work with the FFA Chapter Leadership/Officer Team to plan program of activities 

-August Create Committees and begin planning program of activities events 

-September Complete Form I of the National Chapter Award Application

-October-April Complete at least two sections of Form II of the National Chapter Award Application each month 

-May Proofread application and submit to state on the Agricultural Experience Tracker (AET)

National Chapter Award Resources: 

-National Chapter Award Helpful Hints Video with Darla and Krista (Please embed the video onto the website page) https://youtu.be/BI8TNnF4l6E?feature=shared 

-National Chapter Award Landing Page from National FFA (Link)

-Overview of the National Chapter Award Program (Link)

-Program of Activities Divisions and Quality Standards (Link)

-National Chapter Award Application Student Worksheet (Link)

-Form II Example Guide (Link)

-Resource and Recognition Guides from National FFA (Link)

-National Chapter Award Rubric (Link)

-Program of Activities Worksheets and Resource Planning Guide (Link)

-National Chapter Award Program Judges Training (Link)

-National Chapter Awards Program Judges Presentation (Link)