Indy Standard

On June 12, 2024, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced the Youth Lead Act to support agricultural youth programs in rural communities and small towns.

“Our bipartisan bill will help ensure young leaders in Indiana and across the country can continue to participate in the educational opportunities and hands-on experiences provided by agricultural youth programs,” said Senator Young.

“Organizations like Scouting America, the FFA, and 4-H provide critical opportunities for young Delawareans to find mentors, learn life skills, and develop leadership techniques. Our entire state benefits when more Delawareans, no matter where they’re from, have the opportunity to join these programs,” said Senator Coons. “This bipartisan bill with Senator Young recognizes the importance of investing in the next generation and ensures that every Delawarean, especially those from rural communities, will have the chance to grow.”

The bipartisan bill would reauthorize grants for Girl Scouts of the United States of America, Boy Scouts of America, National 4-H Council, and National FFA Organization to help expand these organizations' programs in rural communities and small towns.

In addition to Senators Young and Coons, Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) also cosponsored the legislation.

The Youth Lead Act is endorsed by both the National FFA Organization and National 4-H Council.

“On behalf of the membership of the National FFA Organization, I express our thanks to Senators Todd Young and Chris Coons for their support of FFA, 4-H, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts through the ‘Youth Lead Act of 2024,’” said National FFA Advisor Dr. Travis Park. “Their commitment...shows the value that the U.S. Senate puts toward youth development. We hope this legislation will be included in final versions of farm bill conversations and that grant program receives consideration through appropriations process,” said Dr. Travis Park.

“The Youth Lead Act of 2024 represents an investment in future of our nation’s youth. This legislation would enable Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program to expand experiences for all youth to develop skills they need succeed work life,” said Jill Bramble, National 4-H Council President CEO.

U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Tracy Mann (R-Kans.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Cal.) introduced companion legislation U.S House Representatives.

Full text Senate legislation can be found here.

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