National Chapter Award
Return HomeThe 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 17, 2027 National Chapter Award Applications Submitted to State on AET by 11:59 PM
-Award Announcement at State FFA Convention in June 2027
***Please use May 16, 2026 as the start date and May 15, 2027 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: Begin identifying activities that match each of the 15 quality standards to be finalized and entered into Form 1 by February
-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
- National Chapter Award Landing Page from National FFA
- Overview of the National Chapter Award Program
- Program of Activities Divisions and Quality Standards
- National Chapter Award Application Student Worksheet
- Resource and Recognition Guides from National FFA
- National Chapter Award Rubric
- Program of Activities Worksheets and Resource Planning Guide
- National Chapter Award Program Judges Training
- National Chapter Awards Program Judges Presentation
- National Chapter Award Tips and Tricks with Marah
National Chapter Award Success Stories
National Premier Chapter Award Recognition | Building Communities Divison | Manor FFA
2025 National FFA Convention
At the 2025 National FFA Convention, members of the Manor FFA Chapter were recognized during the National Premier Chapter Awards program for their inspirational planning of their Mini-Thon Line Dance Activity. Manor FFA was one of only 10 chapters nationwide to be recognized for this honor. Manor FFA members worked with Members of the Penn Manor High School mini-thon club to plan a line dance to raise money for the Four Diamonds organization. Four Diamonds assists families that have children with cancer through care, support, and research at the Penn State Health Children's hospital.
Millville FFA | Overall State Winner
Sam Shuman, an FFA member and Progressive Ag Safety Day Station leader, led sixth grade students through the Hidden Hazards activity. This is an interactive exhibit designed to teach youth how to identify and avoid common farm dangers. From chemical containers to sharp tools and hidden machinery parts, students learned how to spot unsafe situations found on farms. This engaging activity raised awareness, reinforced safe decision-making, and empowered the next generation to build safer habits in agricultural environments.
Tyrone Area FFA | Overall State Runner Up
After Wyatt K., 1st year FFA member and junior, participated in the mock interview workshop, he journaled "I learned that dressing professionally can help create a strong first impression, studying difficult questions builds confidence, and staying calm when faced with challenging questions helps me think more clearly. " The officer incorporated the SPARK method into the workshop, which provided a framework for organizing responses to ensure all key information is communicated, standing for Situation, Purpose, Action, Result(s), and Key skills.
Cumberland Valley FFA | Growing Leaders Division Winner
Budgeting Battle Activity | The culminating activity of Budgeting Battle was a trip to a local GIANT grocery store where CV FFA members applied the financial literacy skills learned during a budgeting and financial literacy workshop. While at GIANT, members worked in teams to complete real-life budgeting scenarios by selecting groceries while staying within a set spending limit. The activity strengthened decision-making, teamwork, and budgeting skills while helping members understand how financial choices impact everyday life and future goals.
Upper Dauphin FFA | Building Communities Division Winner
Feed the Farmers Activity | In this photo, a member delivered dinners to a local potato, grain, and cattle farm during harvest season. In this year's bags, it consisted of a sub, chips, fruit, water, snacks, and dessert. Members also decorated the bags and included a positive saying on the back of the bag and wrote a thank-you card. They enjoyed them very much, as they could continue working while eating supper.
Southern Huntingdon County FFA | Strenthening Agriculture Division Winner
FFA members hosted the Think Safe! Elementary Poster Contest to teach young students about agricultural safety practices in areas such as equipment, animals, and farm hazards. The activity promotes community safety awareness while encouraging elementary students to recognize and apply safe practices in agriculture. Cody F., SHC FFA member, works with a 4th grade student on her equipment safety poster–helping her think through the important safety aspects that she wants others to know about.