APPLICATIONS
STAR AWARDS
Overview
The Michigan FFA State Star Awards recognize outstanding State FFA Degree candidates who have developed exceptional Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs. Candidates compete in one of four categories, highlighting excellence in entrepreneurship, placement, agribusiness, or agriscience. State Star recipients represent the highest level of SAE achievement in Michigan FFA.
Requirements for All Applicants
Applicants for Star Awards must meet the following eligibility requirements.
- Be a current State FFA Degree candidate.
- Have a successful Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) connected to agriculture, food, or natural resources.
Determine SAE Eligibility
A Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) is a student-led, sustained, and supervised learning experience that occurs outside of formal classroom instruction and demonstrates a clear and intentional connection to Agriculture, Food, or Natural Resources (AFNR), as defined by the National Council for Agricultural Education AFNR Content Standards.
Before submitting an application, use the resources below to determine whether your SAE is eligible for state-level awards and identify the correct SAE type.
State Star Categories
Applicants may apply in one State Star Award category based on their qualifying Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE).
| Category | Eligible SAE |
|---|---|
| Star in Agribusiness | Entrepreneurship SAE in a non-production agricultural business |
| Star in Agriscience | Research-based SAE utilizing the scientific method |
| Star in Agricultural Placement | Placement SAE working for an agricultural employer or agribusiness |
| Star in Agricultural Production | Entrepreneurship SAE in production agriculture |
Application Requirements
Applicants must complete both the State FFA Degree Application and the State Star Battery Application to be considered for a State Star Award.
| Application | Requirements |
|---|---|
| State Degree Application | Includes the applicant's entire SAE program and all leadership experiences. Information from all SAE types may be included. |
| State Star Battery Application | Applicants select one State Star category and include only the records and narratives related to SAE enterprises within that category. |
Selection Process
Application Review
Applications are reviewed to verify eligibility requirements, evaluate the quality of the applicant's SAE, and identify the top candidates in each State Star category.
On-Site Visits
Selected Applicants Only
Selected applicants participate in an on-site visit, where evaluators observe the SAE, verify records, and gain a deeper understanding of the applicant's project and experiences.
State Star Finalist Interviews
Selected Applicants Only
State Star finalists participate in in-person interviews with a panel of judges. A short video highlighting each finalist's SAE is also filmed for the Michigan FFA State Convention.
Gold and Silver State Degrees
Gold and Silver State FFA Degree recognition is determined through the State Degree and State Star evaluation process. Gold recipients are selected from applicants who complete the State Star Battery Application. Silver recipients may be selected from either State Star applicants or general State Degree applicants. Approximately 10% of State Degree applicants receive Gold or Silver recognition each year, with final recognition based on the quality of the applications.
Learn from Past State Star Finalists
Preparing your application? Hear directly from past State Star Finalists as they share what made their SAE successful and what they learned through the process.
Star in Agribusiness
Star in Agriscience
Star in Agricultural Placement
Star in Agricultural Production