Pennsylvania is offering grants to youths for innovative projects
HARRISBURG – Direct and matching grants for projects that increase knowledge and awareness of agricultural and rural issues among youth are now available, acting Agriculture secretary, Russell Redding, said. Applications for the Agricultural and Rural Youth Grant Program are available for innovative projects in aquaculture, animal science, food safety and other agricultural topics.
Applications must be submitted to the department via mail and must be postmarked by Saturday.
The program provides funding to youth organizations that are recognized by the commonwealth to promote development in the areas of agriculture, rural community leadership, and vocational training or peer fellowship. In its 17th year, the grant program offers eligible organizations the opportunity to apply for a matching grant of up to $10,000 for projects, including capital projects relating to agriculture or rural issues, and equipment purchases to be used in the course of an agricultural project or project relating to rural issues.
Projects considered for direct grants of up to $2,500 might include those related to agriculture or rural issues; educational programs relating to agriculture or rural issues and conducted by the applicant; educational seminars, field trips; safety training programs and equipment purchases and capital projects.
For an application, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us
and click on “Students and educators” and then on “PDA Agricultural Rural Youth Grant” or call Kristi Rooker at 717-346-4202 or krooker@state.pa.us
.
Return completed applications by Saturday to Kristi Rooker, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, 2301 N. Cameron St., Room 311, Harrisburg, Pa. 17110-9408.