USDA projects a national shortage of qualified individuals to fill careers in agriculture, creating a strong need to attract young people to careers in the ag sector.

The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation’s Youth Pathways to Careers in Agriculture grant program supports projects that introduce and train students for high-demand jobs in the food, agricultural and environmental sciences. The program is open to nonprofit organizations or those with a fiscal sponsor.

OFB Foundation invites proposals from organizations and innovative partnerships interested in delivering programming in the state of Ohio. The foundation intends to award up to $100,000 for these grants, which can last up to 12 months. This grant program was established through the foundation’s Fisher Fund for Lifelong Learning.

“Our signature Youth Pathways grant program serves as a powerful incentive to make careers in our industry appealing to young people,” says Luke Houghton, OFB Foundation’s director of development. “We look forward to supporting innovative programs that inspire the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs to become problem-solvers and leaders in agriculture.”

To be considered for a grant, an organization must:

• be classified as a public charity, and tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (other than a Type III supporting organization) or have a fiscal sponsor

• operate statewide at multiple sites, or have innovative initiatives that can be delivered in several Ohio counties

If an organization is interested in applying for a Youth Pathways grant, visit ofbf.org/foundation to learn more.

Founded in 1985, the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501(c) (3) charitable, nonprofit organization. The foundation funds programming in four priority areas: cultivating an interest in agriculture, investing in tomorrow’s leaders, driving economic growth and promoting environmental stewardship and conservation.

OFB’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ofbf.org.

Source: OFB, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.