In a Placement or Internship SAE, students have opportunities to gain experience in a chosen field as paid employees or volunteers. Students will likely seek guidance to determine whether a Placement or Internship SAE is most appropriate. Students are encouraged to grow a Placement SAE into an internship in the future.

For students to get started, watch the “What Is a Placement/Internship SAE?” video.

For students to get started, watch the “How to Launch an Ownership/Entrepreneurship” SAE video.

In a Research SAE, students will identify the variation of research they would like to pursue as Experimental, Analysis or Invention. They will determine their research question and work through the scientific method to acquire new knowledge and insights or supporting existing research. Students will likely seek guidance to determine what is feasible and realistic in pursing their research.

For students to get started, watch the “What Is a Research SAE?” video.

For students who enjoy collaborating with other students and who would benefit from the available resources of the school and/or FFA chapter, a School-Based Enterprise SAE might be the best fit.

In a School-Based Enterprise SAE, students lead business enterprises that provide goods or services. These businesses are operated from the school campus utilizing facilities, equipment, and other resources provided by the agricultural education program or the school and are owned by the school or FFA chapter. It is important to remember that School-Based Enterprises are student led. While the instructor will be available to provide guidance, they are not the primary decision maker of the business. With regular input from the board of directors, the student leadership team will be able to facilitate the ongoing processes and growth of the business.

For students to get started, watch the “How to Launch a School-Based Enterprise” SAE video.

A Service-Learning SAE might be a good fit for students who have an interest in solving or improving community and/or agricultural issues. In a Service-Learning SAE, students (individually or as a small team) will plan, conduct, and evaluate a project that is designed to provide a service to the school, public entities or the community. The project must benefit an organization, a group, or individuals other than the FFA chapter.

For students to get started, watch the “How to Launch a Service-Learning SAE” video.