Blue corduroy jackets, embroidered with names and adorned with the FFA logo, are the trademark uniform item for FFA students across the country.

With the help of the Delaware Farm Bureau, more students will fit into their own jackets again this year through the Blue Jacket Bonanza program.

“When I received my blue jacket I was so excited. I felt like I truly started my FFA journey and could not wait to wear it,” Shauna Judd, an FFA student from the Appoquinimink School District, said.

“Blue Jacket Bonanza gives students who are in FFA a chance to truly get involved. There are a lot of people who want to compete in CDE or LDE competitions but can’t because they can’t afford something. By applying for a jacket, it not only gives those students practice filling out an official application, but it gives them the beautiful opportunity to do those competitions or events.”

Edwina Chen, also from the Appoquinimink School District, said the opportunity to earn a jacket through the program isn’t just about the jacket itself, rather, “. . .the chance to reflect on individual passions and missions for their FFA journey now and beyond.”

More than 80 jackets were awarded by the Delaware Farm Bureau during last year’s Blue Jacket Bonanza which were presented at Delaware’s annual FFA Conference.

Ms. Chen said the experience was incredible when she received her jacket.

“I felt that I accomplished a milestone and started a new chapter in my high school career because now that I reflect upon the memories I made in high school so far, many priceless experiences, whether that be joys or discomforts, embodied the blue jacket, my blue jacket,” she said.

Mason Hay from Lake Forest School District also received a blue jacket in recent years.

“It was truly an amazing experience! When I got to the state convention and saw my name on a reserved seat and heard my name called, it was truly a magical moment. Receiving a blue jacket is a milestone in an FFA member's career that won’t ever be forgotten,” he said.

“To me the blue jacket means a whole lot and it is not just a jacket. There are so many opportunities to meet new people, learn leadership skills, learn valuable life skills, and all around you are able to take away so so so much from the organization when you wear the blue jacket.”

Applications for the 2024 program are due by Jan. 19 and can be found online at defb.org.