WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) introduced the Youth Lead Act yesterday to bolster investments in youth agriculture and service organizations, including the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, the Boy Scouts of America, the National 4-H Council, and the National FFA Organization.

“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,” said Senator Coons. “Our entire state benefits when more Delawareans, no matter where they’re from, have the opportunity to join these programs. 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.” 

“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.

“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 Travis Park, Advisor and Board Chair, National FFA Organization. “Their commitment, along with the commitment of their colleagues who have signed on to the bill, shows the value that the U.S. Senate puts toward youth development. We hope this legislation will be included in the final versions of the farm bill conversations and that the grant program receives consideration through the appropriations process.”

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

The bipartisan bill strengthens the crucial role of the youth organizations in developing the next generation of leaders in rural communities by providing $5 million in funding to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for grants to service in rural areas and small towns. This will ensure that more children across the country have access to the important programs offered by each organization. The funding from this grant program will help these organizations provide more opportunities for all children, enhance career development, and teach leadership skills. This legislation highlights the importance of the FFA, 4-H, and Scouting America in the development of students through education and community engagement.

U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Tracey Mann (R-Kan.), and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

You can read the full text of the bill here.