Engaging the next generation in the golf course superintendent and equipment manager professions is a key focus for GCSAA. This commitment is exemplified through ongoing collaborations with the National FFA Organization, which boasts over 1,000,000 students nationwide participating in programs designed to cultivate future leaders in agriculture.
In February, GCSAA launched the inaugural National Turfgrass Science Invitational (NTSI), a competitive event endorsed by FFA. Held in San Diego during the 2025 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, this event brought together students from across the country to showcase their knowledge and skills in all aspects of golf course management.
Hoping to build on this momentum, GCSAA’s Director of First Green and Workforce Development Leann Cooper turned to the affiliated chapters for assistance.
“I knew that we had a few chapters already working with their local and state FFA, and I wanted to see if we could gain further engagement by encouraging chapters to participate in the trade shows at their state conferences as well as offer to speak to teachers and students regarding the career whenever possible,” Cooper said.
Cooper was thrilled with the response in 2025. Eleven chapters (and counting) have participated in state conferences, offering golf course tours and facilitating career development events. These initiatives not only connect directly with students but also engage teachers, fostering educational experiences that are both informative and inspiring.
Dave Phipps, GCSAA’s Northwest regional representative, and chapters in the Northwest region, have been instrumental in facilitating these efforts, participating in three teacher field trips and speaking engagements. These interactions have garnered positive feedback, with one teacher describing the experience as the most informative in seven years of teaching — an affirmation of the program’s impact.
Jeff Jensen, GCSAA’s Southwest regional representative, along with the Cactus and Pine GCSA, participated in the Arizona FFA State Leadership Conference in June, with Jensen noting a significant increase in student engagement compared to previous years. Students actively sought out information about the NTSI and membership benefits, demonstrating the tangible outcomes of sustained FFA interactions. Chapters who have supported and engaged with state FFA conferences so far in 2025 include:
- Cactus and Pine GCSA
- Carolinas GCSA
- Florida GCSA
- Inland Empire GCSA
- Iowa GCSA
- Lone Star GCSA
- Oregon GCSA
- Peaks & Prairies GCSA
- Rocky Mountain GCSA
- San Diego GCSA
- Tennessee GCSA
- Utah GCSA
These ongoing efforts underscore the value of collaboration between GCSAA, GCSAA chapters and FFA in nurturing future leaders in golf course management. For more information on how you or your chapter can participate in local or state FFA initiatives, please contact Leann Cooper, director of First Green and workforce development, at lcooper@gcsaa.org.