For 40 years, the Oklahoma FFA Foundation has helped create opportunities for young people across the state. Established in 1986, the foundation celebrated its 40th anniversary during the Oklahoma FFA Association's 100th State FFA Convention in May 2026, marking a milestone year for one of Oklahoma's longest-standing youth organizations.
That work has been strengthened through a long-term partnership with the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma (MCFOK), whose support has helped expand scholarships, leadership development opportunities and student recognition programs for thousands of FFA members statewide.
The Oklahoma FFA Foundation's mission is to raise private support that helps students develop leadership skills, prepare for careers and pursue their educational goals. Through partnerships with corporations, foundations and individual donors, the organization provides resources that strengthen agricultural education and create a culture of excellence for more than 30,000 FFA members across Oklahoma.
Developing Oklahoma's Future Workforce
One of Oklahoma FFA foundation's most visible efforts is supporting the annual Oklahoma FFA State Convention, held this spring at Tulsa's BOK Center. The two-day event attracts approximately 14,000 to 15,000 students, parents, teachers, and guests, generating an estimated $9.5 million in economic impact for the city of Tulsa.
More than a convention, it serves as one of Oklahoma's largest workforce development events. Students lead the program from the stage while industry professionals, educators,and employers connect with future leaders through career workshops, leadership sessions, and a career fair featuring more than 200 exhibitors.
"If you're looking to recruit young people into the workforce, they are the ones that you want to be looking at," said Oklahoma FFA Foundation Executive Director Jacey Fye. "They have work ethic, they know how to show up on time, all the things that people are looking for nowadays."
Turning Endowment Support into Student Success
In 2019, MCFOK established a $1 million endowment for the Oklahoma FFA Foundation. The fund generates approximately $50,000 annually to support scholarships, student leadership initiatives and recognition programs.
The impact is visible each year at the state convention.
Thanks in part to the endowment, every state-level winner in Oklahoma FFA's career development and proficiency award programs receives a $1,000 post-secondary scholarship.Those students move on to represent Oklahoma at the national level and can use the scholarship toward university studies, career technology programs or other post-secondary training.
"Every state winner walks off the stage with a $1,000 post-secondary scholarship," Fye said. "That has been significant for us in recognizing our students and rewarding them for all of their hard work."
For agricultural educator Tonya Middleton, the impact extends well beyond the financial assistance.
"I have always believed that SAEs and the Proficiency Award Program are about much more than student projects. They are about developing the next generation of skilled workers, prepared leaders and community builders," said Tonya Middleton, agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor at Mulhall-Orlando Public Schools. "The scholarships provided by the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma ensure that the hands-on learning students experience every day can be followed by opportunities to continue their education, grow their leadership skills and make a lasting impact through college. By investing in these students, the Foundation is helping build Oklahoma's future workforce and strengthen communities across our state."
Bringing Leadership Camp Back Home
MCFOK's support extends beyond scholarships.
The organization has also played a vital role in strengthening Oklahoma FFA's Alumni Leadership Camp, a tradition that has shaped student leaders for more than 50 years. Known by many members as the "happiest place on earth," the four-day camp serves students in grades 8 through 12 and focuses on personal growth, goal setting and leadership development. Approximately 2,500 students attend through four summer sessions each summer.
Former State FFA Reporter Aubrie McEndoo said the camp played a significant role in her own leadership journey.
"Alumni Camp gave me the opportunity to spread my wings and discover my full potential," McEndoo said. "Each year, I met people who challenged and inspired me to reach new heights, both at camp and beyond. It was an honor to be part of Alumni Camp as a camper, State FFA Officer and Small Group Leader. The experience helped shape me as a servant leader and showed me the lasting impact this program has on young leaders across Oklahoma."
For decades, the camp was held at Camp Tulakogee, a 199-acre property near Lake Fort Gibson. When the property's owners filed for bankruptcy during the pandemic, Oklahoma FFA was forced to relocate. When Camp Tulakogee later became available, the Oklahoma FFA Alumni Association, Oklahoma FFA Foundation and Oklahoma FFA Association worked together to secure a 50-year lease and bring the program back to its longtime home.
The return came with significant challenges. After sitting vacant for several years, the property required extensive repairs, updates and equipment to prepare for campers once again.
Recognizing the importance of the camp experience, MCFOK became an important partner in the restoration effort. In 2026, the organization awarded a $21,600 grant to help purchase equipment and supplies, including a zero-turn mower, weed eaters, kitchen equipment, a dishwasher and other necessities needed to operate the facility.
"They were very instrumental in providing simple things that people don't always think about," Fye said. "You don't think about all the mowing and the weed eating. You don'tthink about the kitchen equipment, the dispensers or the dishwasher. Those things are critical to operating a facility of this size."
Investing in Oklahoma's Next Generation
For Fye, the relationship with MCFOK reflects a shared commitment to developing young leaders.
"They are so invested in how they can help develop these young people to become the next leaders of our state," Fye said. "They see their potential, and they want to help."
From helping students walk across the convention stage with scholarship support to ensuring future generations can experience Alumni Leadership Camp at Camp Tulakogee, MCFOK's investment is helping shape the next generation of Oklahoma leaders.
For the Oklahoma FFA Foundation, that impact is measured not only in dollars, but in the young people who gain the confidence, skills and opportunities to build successful futures.
