(Boulder, CO) The National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) is now an endorsed program of the National FFA Organization. 

This partnership between the NOSB, a nationally recognized academic competition that inspires high school students to explore ocean science learning and ocean-related careers, and the National FFA Organization (formerly the Future Farmers of America), marks an exciting step in connecting two leading youth education programs that prepare our next generation of leaders in science, sustainability, and natural resource management.

The endorsement recognizes the shared goals of both programs: fostering scientific literacy, career readiness, and environmental stewardship.

The endorsement will allow FFA chapters across the country to integrate the NOSB’s focus on real-world science, problem solving, teamwork, and healthy competition, all skills critical to addressing the complex challenges facing agriculture and the environment, into their yearly programming. NOSB participants gain greater exposure to FFA’s extensive network of community members, resources, and other endorsed programs.

Together, the two national programs can inspire a generation of students who see the connections between healthy oceans, sustainable agriculture, and a thriving planet. 

This is exciting news because the FFA is a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO). Being a FFA Endorsed Activity means that NOSB teams are eligible to receive funding through their school district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) department.

  • ENHANCED OUTREACH
    • The NOSB is advertised on FFA’s website, increasing reach to new audiences.
  • FUNDING SUPPORT (differs by state)
    • Get paid for YOUR time!
    • Funds for FFA membership dues.
    • Funds to support regional bowl travel.
    • Funds to attend National Finals.
    • Funds to help with community service activities like watershed cleanups.
    • Funds for professional development.
  • STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
    • With FFA they can compete in more events.
    • More access to scholarships, career internships, and mentorship opportunities.
  • SUSTAINABILITY
    • Access to more support can help sustain teachers’ NOSB participation.

  • Determine if you already have an FFA chapter at your school.
    • Identify the chapter contact person as well as the state FFA contact.
  • If you don’t have an FFA chapter at your school, create one!
  • Determine who is in charge of your CTE department at your school/district.
    • Inform them that the NOSB and your regional bowl are now part of a CTSO.
    • Ask how the district CTE money (Perkins Grant) could help you with your NOSB costs, as well as starting an FFA chapter.

A big thank you to Samantha Matsuoka (Barlett High School – Anchorage School District – Alaska Tsunami Bowl Coach) for leading this effort for her team and the NOSB. Note that the benefits and processes listed here are based on Samantha’s experience and may differ from what is possible within your school system. NOSB Coaches can reach out to Samantha with questions.

Click to view and download the team information flyer.

About the NOSB

The National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB), managed by the Center for Ocean Leadership, a University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) Community Program, is an academic competition and program that addresses a national gap in environmental and earth sciences in public education by introducing high school students to and engaging them in ocean science, preparing them for ocean science-related and other STEM careers, and helping them become knowledgeable community members and environmental stewards. For more information, visit www.nosb.org.

About the National FFA Organization

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,027,200 student members as part of 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.