California Area awarded grants at Pa. Farm Show

A group of California Area students attended the annual farm show in Harrisburg.

California Area School District in Washington County will receive more than $29,000 in state funding to support agricultural education and workforce development as part of a broader investment in youth programs announced this week at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

On the third day of the 2026 Farm Show, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced $600,345 in PA Farm Bill Agriculture and Youth Grants, including 15 matching and 47 direct awards to organizations in 33 counties. The funding supports projects designed to prepare young people for careers in Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry.

Labor and Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker and Education Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe joined Redding for the announcement, which was made during a Career Expo that connected more than 2,200 students with 48 agricultural businesses.

“Pennsylvania youth are the fertile ground that will grow our nation’s prosperity in the future,” Redding said. “The Shapiro Administration is committed to investing in opportunities every young person needs to succeed. Our investments in relevant agriculture education today will help Pennsylvania agriculture businesses meet increasingly complex challenges tomorrow.” Gov. Josh Shapiro’s bipartisan 2025-26 budget funds a seventh year of Ag and Youth Grants through the PA Farm Bill. Since 2019, the program has provided $3.5 million for 377 projects statewide.

California Area School District will receive funding for two projects: $5,658 for The Greenhouse as a Living Classroom for STEAM and $24,000 for Agri-Ready Youth Training in Veterinary and Animal Science.

The grants are awarded through the 2026 Pennsylvania Ag and Youth Grant Program and are intended to support hands-on learning initiatives that prepare students for careers in farming and related industries.

In a statement, the California Area School District highlighted student participation in agriculture education during the Farm Show.

“Over 100 students are on their way back from the 2026 PA Farm Show! What an incredible experience celebrating the FFA Midwinter Convention, exploring all corners of Pennsylvania’s agriculture, and enjoying some tasty treats along the way. From our elementary students to our high schoolers, it was a wonderful day of learning, discovery, and fun together.”

Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Carroll Township, said the funding will have a lasting impact on students and the local agriculture industry.

“These grants are an important investment in our youth and the future of agriculture in Washington County,” Bartolotta said. “By supporting hands-on learning, workforce training and innovative agricultural education programs, we are helping prepare students with the skills they need to succeed in a growing and essential industry.”

State Rep. Bud Cook, R-West Pike Run Township, who represents the 50th Legislative District in Greene and Washington counties, also applauded the awards to the district.

“Agriculture is the leading industry in the Commonwealth and there are countless opportunities for young people to build rewarding careers in the field,” Cook said. “We’re proud to see this investment benefiting students in the 50th District. This helps to build a skilled workforce and keep opportunities close to home.”

Under the Shapiro administration, the Department of Labor & Industry and the Department of Agriculture have partnered to expand apprenticeships and training programs in agriculture. Since the governor took office, Labor & Industry’s Apprenticeship and Training Office has supported 115 new apprenticeships, including four new programs serving the agriculture industry, and enrolled more than 17,100 new apprentices.

The 2025-26 budget also provides $183 million for career and technical education and apprenticeships, an increase of more than 50% compared to funding levels when Shapiro took office.

“Agriculture has always been at the heart of Pennsylvania’s economy, and it continues to offer meaningful, family-sustaining careers for the next generation,” Walker said. “Under Governor Josh Shapiro’s leadership, we’re investing in hands-on training through apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships that prepare Pennsylvanians for careers on the farm and in the many trades and industries that support agriculture. These investments help ensure our agricultural workforce remains strong as we honor our roots and continue growing a nation.”

Shapiro has invested $13.8 million annually in the PA Farm Bill since taking office, supporting youth education and workforce development initiatives across rural and urban communities. Ag and Youth Grants provide direct funding of up to $7,500 and matching grants of up to $25,000 for projects, programs and equipment purchases that benefit youth or promote agriculture, vocational training and leadership development.

The governor’s 2025-26 budget also includes $900 million in additional funding for prekindergarten through 12th-grade public education.

“For many students, agriculture education is the first time they realize something powerful: There is a place for me here — a place where learning is hands-on and connected to the real world, where technology meets tradition, where curiosity turns into purpose,” Rowe said. “As Governor Shapiro often says, investments in today’s students are investments in Pennsylvania’s future. That’s why early career education matters. Career exploration doesn’t begin at graduation — it begins with curiosity.”