Youth Pathways to Careers in Agriculture

Youth Pathways to Careers in Agriculture is sponsored by Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation. This 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.

Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Growing tomorrow’s agriculture today The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation is committed to inspire and educate the next generation of farmers, ensuring the progress and prosperity of Ohio's agriculture far into the future. We create pathways for young people to learn about the variety and viability of careers in agriculture.

Through scholarships, programming and grants, the foundation builds a growing workforce of up-and-coming farmers who are passionate and prepared to grow Ohio's agricultural communities. At the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, we believe that the key to a vital agricultural industry in the next decade—and countless decades beyond that—is helping young people understand all the growth opportunities agriculture offers.

Our work starts with what we call “ag literacy:” teaching students about agriculture and all the aspects of their lives that it impacts—whether it’s the milk they pour on their morning cereal or the wool sweater they grab when it’s chilly. By helping young people gain ag literacy, we introduce them to the educational and employment possibilities related to farming.

As they visit a tractor manufacturer, walk the rows at a biodynamic vineyard, or study heritage-breed chickens, they learn not only about the industry, but also about their own interests and purpose. They see that agriculture includes entomologists and engineers, pig ranchers and policy makers—and that it can include their aspirations and skills, too.

Through our work, the foundation inspires both the young people who will inherit the family farm, and those who will start their own entrepreneurial ventures. Those who love getting dirt on their hands, and those who love studying soil under a microscope. Those who want to climb into a combine, and those who want to climb the corporate ladder.

The foundation believes that every young person in Ohio has the potential to grow their That’s why we need your help to grow the foundation’s potential. Supporting and Sustaining Growth To cultivate future generations of Ohio farmers, the foundation takes a three-pronged approach to inspiring their interest in and commitment to agriculture.

Scholarships: We award scholarships to students planning to pursue careers in agriculture and related fields. Innovative programming: Our signature science program, ExploreAg, offers free week- and day-long immersion programs for high-school students.

In ExploreAg, teens learn about agriculture and related STEM fields from industry experts, scientists, and Grants: We issue grants to nonprofit organizations and county Farm Bureaus that help young people embrace food, agriculture, and environmental careers, and to programs advancing agricultural education.

Making the Investment in Tomorrow, Today Please join the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation in supporting the farmers and ranchers of Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Learn more about the foundation's mission, vision and purpose. The Youth Pathways Grant for Careers in Agriculture is designed to help young people discover their purpose and passion in agricultural careers.

We envision a future where tomorrow’s greatest leaders are passionate about and drawn to careers in agriculture. Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation announces 2026 golf invitational details and honorees Industry professionals, community members, and golf enthusiasts are invited to take part in the 2026 Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Golf Invitational June 22 at Pinnacle Golf Club in Grove City.

ExploreAg opens pathways, offers clarity ExploreAg exposes Ohio high school students to a wide range of careers in agriculture and helps them see where they might fit. Ohio Farm Bureau testifies in support of early workforce development bill Senate Bill 328 is legislation designed to strengthen career-connected learning and better prepare students for Ohio’s workforce needs.

Taking the youth pathways trail with Farm Bureau I am thankful to everyone in Ohio Farm Bureau who has supported me, guided me and helped me turn my passion into purpose. Bringing ag literacy to a younger, wider audience Teaching agriculture in an elementary classroom is a great opportunity to spark a love of the industry in our youngest learners and have them share that with those at home.

Apply now for 2026 Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation scholarships The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation has multiple scholarships available to Ohio students from rural, suburban and urban communities who are pursuing degrees with a connection to the agricultural industry.

Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation announces new premier Ambassadors Scholarship The scholarship provides one renewable award of $10,000, supporting a student pursuing a degree in agriculture or an agriculture-related field. Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation at the core of opportunities for growth Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation supports career development for current members and helps young people find their path in agriculture.

$100,000 Growing Tomorrow Grant awarded to Clover Valley Farm Nathan and Jill Parriman grow seasonal crops, including Christmas trees, pumpkins and cut flowers, providing U-cut experiences that invite customers to engage directly with agriculture.

Passing on the Mizer family scholarship legacy The David Mizer scholarship recipients are chosen based on their work ethic, academic effort, civic engagement and a career that contributes to the future of Ohio agriculture. Jun 22, 2026 | 8:00 am - 4:00 pm 2026 Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Golf Invitational Aug 16, 2026 | 11:30 am - 2:30 pm