The symbolic blue corduroy is much more than Official Dress, but an icon of an American tradition–instilling pride and responsibility in those who wear it. But not everyone can wear the jacket. Not because they don’t deserve to…but because they can’t afford to.

To meet this need, the Whiteside County Farm Bureau Young Leaders have started  the TRUE BLUE FFA Official Dress Grant Program. In 2025, fifteen $100 grants were awarded to Whiteside County FFA members.
 
The program is open to freshman and sophomore students. The following qualifications must be met to apply for a new FFA jacket:

• Student must be enrolled in an agriculture class.
• Student must currently be in good standing. (not failing any classes)
• Student must have attended at least one (1) FFA meeting or activity this school year.

For more information on the TRUE BLUE program, contact Matt Lillpop, Executive Director of the Whiteside County Farm Bureau, at (815) 772-2165 or [email protected].